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.