ICC: Transition key Internet technical functions to multistakeholder community without delay

  • 21 September 2016
ICC digital growth

With a deadline approaching for the United States to transfer oversight of critical Internet technical functions to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) at the end of the month, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is urging the US government to execute the stewardship transition without delay.

Speaking on behalf of a global network of 6.5 million members, ICC the world business organization said the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) transition will assure a global, stable and secure Internet, and strengthen the current multistakeholder approach to Internet governance.

Underscoring the important role a secure, stable and open Internet plays in trade, sustainable development and the global economy, ICC Secretary General John Danilovich said: “It is the right moment for the multistakeholder community to be given oversight of the naming, numbering and protocol functions of the Internet, as has long been intended. The Internet community has worked diligently preparing the ground and all stakeholders have agreed on the transition in that process. We cannot jeopardise the trust and commitment of all to this step by stalling.”

It is the right moment for the multistakeholder community to be given oversight of the naming, numbering and protocol functions of the Internet, as has long been intended.

As a long-time advocate of the need to ensure the continued security, operational stability and the importance of stakeholder cooperation and engagement in Internet governance, ICC applauded the US Commerce Department’s approval in June of a proposal for ICANN to assume the operation and oversight of IANA. The proposal was developed by the community of all stakeholders and with robust multistakeholder consultations on the principles and mechanisms for the transition of the IANA functions to the global multistakeholder community. Detailed plans to enhance ICANN accountability were included, some implemented already and some to be taken further in a second phase.

IANA is responsible for coordinating some of the Internet’s technical functions, such as allocating and maintaining the unique codes and numbering systems that allow the Internet to operate smoothly. ICC Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) participated in the IANA Stewardship Transition Group as a representative of broad business and was represented in the Cross Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability (CCWG-Accountability). ICC endorses the transition as the path proposed is one business feels confident can maintain the security, stability and integrity of the Internet.

The contract between the US Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to expire on 30 September.