On the line: the internet's future (must read)

[wordplay]

Many, if not most of you likely know about the issues put forth in this article
on the United Nations summit on the Internet going on 11/16-11/18:

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article327341.ece

Would one of the more knowledgeble among you clarify the following statement made in this article?:

"Icann .. has, for years, quietly regulated domain names and allocated addresses. But its lease is nearly up."

When is Icann scheduled to give up control?

Thank you.

 

[MrDude]

I think Icann are doing a good job with the internet and should keep control. This would lead to censorship which would completely ruin the internet for us all.

 

[sasquatch]

When is Icann scheduled to give up control?

Never.

"By Andy Sullivan and Astrid Wendlandt 2 hours, 21 minutes ago

TUNIS, Tunisia (Reuters) - The United States will keep control of the domain-name system that guides online traffic under an agreement on Wednesday seen as a setback to efforts to internationalize one of the pillars of the Internet..."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051116/pl_nm/tunis_dc

 

[wordplay]

Great! Thanks for your post, sasquatch.

I'm not sure about the "never" part... but it is status quo for now.

 

[petertdavis]

I can't imagine the French or anybody doing a better job of it.

 

[OgieOgalthorpe]

I'll take status quo.

 

[Rarethings]

the ICANN will stay where they are... at least until internet2 comes out....