Business Supports Internet Transition Proposal

Digital GlobeUSCIB signed an open letter to Congress along with 15 other companies and trade associations on May 23. The letter endorsed the transfer of the stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a set of core functions necessary for the running of the Internet domain name system, from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to the multi-stakeholder Internet community, with safeguards to enable active involvement in processes designed to hold ICANN accountable as an independent entity.

In March 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a plan to transition its stewardship of the Internet’s domain name system to the global Internet community. This plan represents the final stage of the development of ICANN as a private-sector led, multi-stakeholder organization to coordinate Internet addresses.

USCIB actively contributed comments throughout the two-plus-year development of the transition process, having recently submitted comments on the draft ICANN bylaws that would implement the IANA transition and ICANN Accountability reforms.

“We endorsed the final package, expressing confidence that it will meet [the Commerce Department’s] criteria for the transition of the IANA stewardship role and ensure the continued stability, security and resiliency of the domain name system as well as fundamental openness of the Internet,” USCIB wrote in its comments. “Equally important in USCIB’s view, the March 10 package includes safeguards to enable active involvement by the community in processes designed to hold ICANN accountable as an independent entity.”

USCIB members look forward to ensuring that the transition continues smoothly and in a timely manner.

On March 10, USCIB issued a press release welcoming the ICANN Accountability package and the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.

Staff Contact:   Barbara Wanner

VP, Digital Policy
Tel: 202.617.3155

Barbara Wanner directs USCIB’s work on information, communications and technology issues. She works with members and government officials on a wide range of international business issue that include advocating for the continuation of the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance and for policies aimed at promoting the stability, openness and innovative flexibility of the Internet. She represents USCIB members’ interests in several international forums, including the UN, APEC and the OECD.
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