The American Government has announced it will give other governments
around the world and the private sector a greater say in oversight for
the technical coordination of the Internet's domain name and addressing
system (DNS).
The NTIA and ICANN have co-signed an Affirmation of Commitments
that completes the transition of the technical management of the DNS to
a multi-stakeholder, private-sector-led model. As earlier reported, the
Affirmation is a four-page document and was released on Wednesday morning US time.
The document creates expert panels that will conduct regular reviews of
ICANN's work in several areas: network security and stability; the
evolution of generic domains such as .com and .net as well as domains
not based on the English alphabet; and the continuance of a public
database of Web site owners. An accountability panel -- the only one
required to have a U.S. government representative -- is also set up
under the plan according to a report in Tech Daily Dose.
The Affirmation ensures accountability and transparency in
ICANN's decision-making with the goal of protecting the interests of
global internet users. The Affirmation also establishes
mechanisms to address the security, stability, and resiliency of the
Internet DNS as well as promote competition, consumer trust, and
consumer choice.
"Today's announcement bolsters the long-term viability of the Internet
as a force for innovation, economic growth, and freedom of expression,"
said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA
Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "This framework puts the public
interest front and centre, and it establishes processes for
stakeholders around the world to review ICANN's performance. The Affirmation of Commitments
also reinforces a long-standing relationship between ICANN and the
Department of Commerce. The Department looks forward to playing an
active role along with other stakeholders in ensuring that ICANN is
successful, accountable, and transparent."
The new agreement, which has no end date, will go some way to appeasing critics of ICANN such as the European Union and China.