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:
- always on
- free and open
- secure and stable
More big issues coming down the pike. But for now, I think, a fortuitous development.
