U.S. PLANS TO GIVE UP OVERSIGHT OF WEB DOMAIN MANAGER- Sarah Klein 4th period

Wall Street Journal, 03-14-2014

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303546204579439653103639452?mod=WSJ_business_LeadStoryRotator&mg=reno64-wsj

The U.S. government plans to give up control over the body that manages Internet names and addresses.  ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Addresses) manages a number of technical functions that serve as signposts to help computers locate the correct servers and websites.  A new governance structure is set to be completed by September 2015, when the contract with the Commerce Department expires.

           

I understand why other countries would like to see an international body governing ICANN.  However, I agree with some business leaders that the potential for censorship exists under a non-US structure.  To alleviate this possibility, there must be a fair, open-minded, non-biased governing body that can be trusted by businesses and individuals from all countries.   It is a risk that the US seems willing to take now.