ICANN Faces UN Competition

NEW YORK – The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is facing increasing pressure from the United Nations to share control of the Internet.

ICANN was appointed by the U.S. Government in 1998.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) meeting Geneva in December 2003 signaled a growing rift between the U.S-based governing body and a group of international forces vying for control of the Internet, among them China, Cuba, Syria, Egypt, Vietnam, and South Africa.

The countries that are calling for a shift in power are proposing that control be handed over to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), or to a governing body assembled by the United Nations.

A task force has since been appointed to address the issue of the United Nations' future involvement in ICANN-related matters and is scheduled to meet in New York this week.

Interest in upseating ICANN comes from a growing desire to see a more "neutral" global governance body in control that will bring poorer nations into the Internet fold.

Proposals for a shift in Internet governance have so far met with fiery resistance from U.S. delegates and ICANN, who believe firmly that Internet control should remain within the private sector.

U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and ICANN Chairman Vint Cerf will lead discussions at the New York meeting, which includes conferences on domain names, technical standards, network security, and a discussion titled "Accumulated Concerns, Perspectives, and Exploring How We Can Cooperate."

ICANN held its first meeting of 2004 in Rome for a Global Outreach forum where European delegates gave their endorsement to ICANN's technical coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS).

"One of the most important reasons for the Internet's success is that no single entity controls it," Italy's Minister for Innovation and Technology stated. "We see ICANN as an asset. It should play a major role in the future."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Watch: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More