September 26, 2006 at 02:24US retains control over ICANN
The US Department of Commerce has officially announced that it intends to extend its patronage of ICANN Internet Corporation for at least a few more years.
The current three-year contract expires on September 30, 2006. The contract will be extended on previous terms by one to three years. During this period, the US government will retain control over the activities of Internet registrars and the Internet domain name system.
The US authorities have repeatedly used their influence to lobby for a decision regarding the domain name system. It is believed that they were the reason why ICANN refused to approve the .xxx domain zone earlier this year. Another conflict between ICANN and US authorities is starting to flare up around the Whois database, which ICANN wants to close from prying eyes.
The current three-year contract expires on September 30, 2006. The contract will be extended on previous terms by one to three years. During this period, the US government will retain control over the activities of Internet registrars and the Internet domain name system.
The US authorities have repeatedly used their influence to lobby for a decision regarding the domain name system. It is believed that they were the reason why ICANN refused to approve the .xxx domain zone earlier this year. Another conflict between ICANN and US authorities is starting to flare up around the Whois database, which ICANN wants to close from prying eyes.