Bully or Bodyguard? Assessing the Proper Role of the United States in Internet Governance

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Thursday, April 3, 2014
12 pm - 1:30 pm
http://www.itif.org/events/bully-or-bodyguard-assessing-proper-role-unit...

A variety of organizations, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Internet Society (ISOC), the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), have demanded that the United States step down from its historic role in providing oversight of Internet governance. In addition, European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes has called for Europe to begin “redrawing the global map of Internet governance,” and a committee in the European Commission announced its intentions to “establish a clear timeline for the globalization of ICANN.” In contrast, others have speculated that if the United States cedes its authority, other countries will begin manipulating the Internet's architecture for political purposes.

Should the U.S. government give in to these demands to relinquish its authority over the IANA function? If so, could the Administration act unilaterally, or does it need authority from Congress? And what would be the likely consequences to the long-term stability and security of the Internet? Finally, what is a feasible path forward for U.S. involvement in Internet governance?

Participants

Daniel Castro
Senior Analyst Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Phil Corwin
Founding Principal Virtuallaw LLC

Steve DelBianco
Executive Director NetChoice

Eli Dourado
Research Fellow Mercatus Center

The event is free, open to the public, and complies with ethics rules. Lunch will be provided.