Some annotations:
1. The easiest way to make such a distributeted data havens (DDH) would be to use a distributed unix file system that doesn't distribute files but chunks of bytes. (Striping)
Like AFS?
Advantage: - All normal services would work: ftp,http,... - Copying, deleting and modifing files. - Easy to install and use.
Problems: Because each side can supply all data (collecting on the fly from other DDHs), the site holder could be responsible for the data. This could be prevented by collecting and assembling data at the client side (e.g. using JAVA).
How many people trust clients? If we wanted clients, we would use WebStor from Mcaffee. I don't trust any clients specific to one task, and would rather use generic E-mail/ftp/www.
2. When the DDHs are distributed around the world in a lot of different states, it could be very difficult for any government to get any evidence for "illegal" data on one site.
In some countries, when the government jails someone, it doesn't matter what evidence they have. Not everyone has a justice system that at least makes an attempt to give a fair trial.