Internet governance transition hangs on US Congress

Subject

Outcome of the ICANN negotiations.

Significance

On March 10, after nearly two years of discussions, the Internet Corporation for the Assignment of Names and Numbers (ICANN) finalised proposals to shift US government oversight of the corporation to a broader online community -- in effect ending the central role of the US government in internet governance. The proposals, however, have to be endorsed not just by the Obama Administration but also by Congress.

Impacts

• The 'IANA transition' is likely to be effectively implemented given the consensus on the advantages of maintaining continuity and stability.
• Ensuring that the ICANN board is fully accountable will be more of a challenge.
• There are likely to be tensions between the board and the wider internet community over its role and governance in the future.
• Whether or not US authorities approve the transition, the debate on the role of governments in global internet governance will persist.