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EU Wants Changes in Internet Governance

All those affected by ICANN decisions should have recourse to an international tribunal.

ICANN is a monopoly, said the EU's Commissioner of Information Society and Media Viviane Reding. In last week's video message, Reding said that when the current agreement expires on Sept 13, a new system should be devised.

"Much of the progress and creativity achieved in recent years has been the fruit of human ingenuity unleashed by the Internet's openness to innovation," she said, "but to continue reaping the benefits of the online world, the Internet must evolve on a solid and democratic base."

Reding proposed some changes in ICANN, which include:

  • Make ICANN fully privatized and independent
  • All those affected by ICANN decisions should have recourse to an international tribunal.
  • There should be a multilateral forum to discuss global Internet governance issues.
As the Internet has a global dimension, said Reding, swift and efficient coordination is needed on threats to openness and other issues. She proposes a sort of G-12 for Internet governance,that meets twice a year to make recommendations to ICANN where appropriate.

Wayne E. Hanson served as a writer and editor with e.Republic from 1989 to 2013, having worked for several business units including Government Technology magazine, the Center for Digital Government, Governing, and Digital Communities. Hanson was a juror from 1999 to 2004 with the Stockholm Challenge and Global Junior Challenge competitions in information technology and education.