Telecompaper

The US government has agreed to more independence for the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann), the main governing body for web domains. Icann's governing agreement expired on 30 September, and the US department of commerce signed a new "affirmation of committments" with the organisation. The agreement ends the unilateral review of the internet body by the US government in favour of independent review panels. These will be appointed by Icann's Governmental Advisory Committee and Icann itself. The GAC is open to governments and public authorities from around the world and advises the Icann board on public policy aspects of the organbisation's activities. The European Commission, which has long called for a more international approach to governing the internet, issued a statement welcoming the decision, saying it should make Icann more accountable to internet users worldwide. The Internet Society called the agreement an "historic turning point" and said the new arrangement supports its calls for a more transparent and public sector led organisation.