These are confusing times for distance education. On the one hand it has never been so popular. Increasing numbers of students are choosing this mode of study and few tertiary institutions do not now offer some programmes by this means. But on the other hand it appears to be under threat as never before. While few countries have followed Ethiopia in banning distance learning outright, the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) is investigating a rising tide of restrictive legislation and practices. How should legitimate distance education providers react to this seeming contradiction?