LOS ANGELES—In an announcement that is already being met with strong reactions, the U.S. Commerce Department announced today its intention to relinquish control of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Number (ICANN), the Marina del Rey, California-based corporation that oversees the internet's domain name system.
Indeed, though just announced, the Washington Post is already reporting that the news "set off a passionate response, with some groups quickly embracing the change and others blasting it."
Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-WVa.), chairman of the commerce committee, said the move is “consistent with other efforts the U.S. and our allies are making to promote a free and open Internet, and to preserve and advance the current multi-stakeholder model of global Internet governance.”
On the flip side, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted, “What is the global internet community that Obama wants to turn the internet over to? This risks foreign dictatorships defining the internet.”
Though Newt is no doubt imagining horrific scenarios that are not likely to occur, anyone who has spent any time observing the internal machinations of ICANN knows that there is rarely broad-based consensus among member countries, and that more powerful blocks that do see eye-to-eye on issues can easily approve policies that may well alarm many American citizens, including the censorship of content.
While Commerce seems set on following through on the plans to relinquish oversight of ICANN, the Post notes that the contract between Commerce and ICANN "is due to expire next year but could be extended if the transition plan is not complete."
It could also be put on hold if opponents of the move are able to make a strong case, which they will surely attempt to do. As it is, many people are upset with ICANN for its close relationship with the domainer community, which drives revenue to the company.
"It’s inconceivable that ICANN can be accountable to the whole world," complained Steve DelBianco, executive director of NetChoice, a trade group representing major Internet commerce businesses. "That’s the equivalent of being accountable to no one."
Gene Kimmelman, president of Public Knowledge, a group that promotes open access to the Internet, had the opposite take, saying, “This is a step in the right direction to resolve important international disputes about how the Internet is governed."
This is clearly a story that is only just beginning to play itself out. Check back here for continuing coverage of a story that is sure to impact all internet professionals.
