The UN's grasp is closing on ICANN as reported by the Beeb. Here are some quotes:
In the face of opposition from countries such as China, Iran and Brazil, and several African nations, the US is now isolated ahead of November's UN summit.
All emphasis is mine. China and Iran. What a lovely pair to manage the Internet. And several African nations have access to the Internet? I assumed it would only be South Africa and maybe Egypt. Seriously though, aren't there bigger problems in Africa than who runs the Internet?
"We have no intention to regulate the internet," said Commissioner Reding, reassuring the US that the EU was not proposing setting up a new global body.
Rather she talked of a "model of cooperation", of an international forum to discuss the internet.
I'm really disturbed by the words of Commissioner Reding. Words like "no intention to regulate the Internet" and "model of cooperation" sound like empty promises to me. If the former was true then why not leave the Internet the way it is? As for the latter, a discussion forum needs no power. In fact the ICANN could setup an online forum in a matter of minutes. Is that OK?
Because the current situation sucks harder?
"If the former was true then why not leave the Internet the way it is?"
Why? Because the internet has become much more than a toy for some scientists. It's essential to the economy of most countries. Leaving all control in the hands of the US would be _very_ bad if you ask me. I would much, much rather have an internet controlled by the UN (including China and Iran) than an internet completely in the hands of the US. Besides that there are quite a few african nations that I trust more than the US :\