The first day of the rest of the Internet

Yesterday, the Joint Project Agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce and ICANN expired. Today, a new “Affirmation of Commitments” goes into effect.

Key points from the new Affirmation:

  • ICANN will remain an independent, private-sector led organization.
  • Nations from around the world will have new input through the Government Advisory Committee (GAC).
  • Overall transparency and global involvement should improve.
  • But this Affirmation should extinguish any notions that the UN, EU, or other international players might gain new power over ICANN.
  • ICANN must focus its efforts to ensure three core objectives. That the Internet is:
  1. always on
  2. free and open
  3. secure and stable

More big issues coming down the pike. But for now, I think, a fortuitous development.

Comments are closed.