The US government has given into international pressure to cede its control over the internet domain name organisation Icann. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, part of the US Department of Commerce, said it intends "to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multistakeholder community". It has asked Icann to lead international talks on a new organisational model, to end the NTIA's role in overseeing the global domain name system (DNS).
The announcement follows calls from the EU to Brazil that the US reduce its influence over the global internet, especially in light of the revelations of widespread communications surveillance by US intelligence authorities. Under a contract with Icann, the NTIA handles procedures such as administering changes to the authoritative root zone file – the database containing the lists of names and addresses of all top-level domains – as well as serving as the "historic steward" of the DNS. Icann has a contract with the agency to carry out the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, while Verisign handles related root zone management functions.
Icann already has a working group set up that is developing proposals to increase multistakeholder governance of the organisation. The group's final recommendations are expected in May. The NTIA said the main goals are to develop a multistakeholder model; maintain the security, stability and resiliency of the internet DNS; meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA services; and maintain the openness of the internet.
It noted however that in line with resolutions by the US Congress, the NTIA cannot accept a government-led or inter-governmental organisation controlling Icann. Groups such as the Internet Society, Interneet Engineering Taskforce and Internet Architecture Board as well as regional and national domain registrars are expected to participate in developing the new organisation of Icann. Until a new model is developed, the NTIA will continue to ensure its responsibilities towards Icann. Its current IANA functions contract expires 30 September 2015.
