OTI Celebrates IANA transition

At the stroke of midnight on September 30, the Department of Commerce transferred its last remaining oversight over the internet domain name system (the system that translates the website address you type in your browser to the correct IP address) to the international non-profit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). OTI has been a long-time advocate for this shift, and we are impressed by the hard work of the internet community to prepare ICANN for this new role. We have, through congressional testimony, policy papers, press appearances and coalition letters, been engaged in ensuring that the transition happened smoothly and without unnecessary delay.

This new global reality takes away ammunition from countries like China and Russia who have advocated for years for an internet run by the world’s governments. With ICANN stepping up to take over these responsibilities, the multistakeholder model of governance has a new lease on life, encouraging participation by states, the technology industry, and civil society.

Although there was a last minute effort to derail the transition, consistent and overwhelming support from civic, business, and governmental organizations all across the globe made this historic achievement possible.  We are pleased that the transition preserved the longstanding multistakeholder governance model that gives a voice to states, the technology industry, and civil society.

This transition marks an important milestone in securing a free and open internet. This also ensures that the internet’s infrastructure is better protected from undue influence by countries that do not value the freedom it represents, and we are pleased to celebrate this victory with our allies around the world.