Does the United States Government rule the Internet?It Seems to Think So!The World FREE Internet applied for a domain name last December, in a pre-registration that was made available for the new domain names that were expected to be implemented in February, 1998. The following email was received today, 26 February, regarding the obstacles created by the U.S. Government, as it attempts to assert control over the Internet. True to form, the American media has failed to report on criticism of the the Federal Government by the European Community.
Dear Valued Customer,
Originally, the new domain names were scheduled to become active in the
Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) in February of 1998. As you already
know, it is now February and the new domain names are not yet in place.
That start date has been postponed. This is largely because on January
30th, 1998, the U.S. Government released a proposal describing its views on
how the Internet's DNS should be run. This draft may further delay the
implementation of these domains.
The gTLD-MOU process has been 2 years in the making and is supported by
such companies as MCI Communications, France Telecom, Bell Canada, and the
U.S. Based International Trademark Association. At its heart, the gTLD-MOU
process is supported by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority), the
group that has run the Internet's DNS since it was created in 1984.
Unfortunately, the proposal set forth by the U.S. Government seems to
neglect the consultative process put together by the Internet community.
Though it is likely an oversight, the U.S. Government has assumed it has
jurisdictional authority over a global Internet.
We feel that the reason the Internet has displayed such explosive growth,
is not due to government guidance, but the lack thereof. Although the U.S.
Government did provide funding for much of the earlier development of the
Internet, this funding should not be confused with governance. The
Internet has been governed by its stakeholders, such as yourselves, and
groups of dedicated volunteers who make decisions in a democratic process.
On February 26th, 1998, the European Union is scheduled to publicize its
response to the U.S. proposal. It is a very negative response, largely
criticizing the U.S. government for assuming authority over the Internet
and disregarding many of the ideas set forth in the gTLD-MOU and by the
Internet Community.
Though this is the core of the European Union's response, we also fear that
they will make some attempt to impart their mark on the Internet.
We feel that this proposal and counter proposal may be a first step on a
long and slippery road to the bureaucratization of the Internet. At this
point, our greatest fear is that the Internet will become a political tool,
to be fought over by various governments.
Since IANA is the governing authority behind the Internet's domain name
system, the gTLD-MOU is empowered to move forward, however, rather than
risk setting off a political chain reaction, we are at this moment awaiting
the revision of the U.S. Government's stance. The government has requested
comments on this draft, which is available at the url: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/dnsdrft.htm
These comments may be sent to the address: dns@ntia.doc.gov.
SOURCE: Internet Domain Registrars staff@registrars.net RETURN TO NEWS INDEX
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