QUESTIONS INFLUENCE OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES UNDER NEW ARRANGEMENT

Washington, Oct 2, 2009 - “It appears that this new arrangement sets up four panels with representation from foreign governments that will review ICANN’s affairs,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Ranking Member of the House Communications, Technology & the Internet Subcommittee. “Although I applaud the agreement’s tentative move toward more transparency, I have some questions over the implication of potential legal and security risks if foreign powers are involved with the oversight and handling of data.”

Under the new Affirmative Agreement, the panels, as reported, will supervise the management and administration of ICANN. However, the United States will have only one permanent seat, the panel dealing with transparency and accountability. “Surely, the United States should have a permanent seat on all four panels,” added Stearns. “The United States has been the leader in the Internet’s development and should provide leadership into the future. All countries may participate in its continue development, but the United States should still retain a prime leadership role.”