[IFWP] [ga] Communications-related Headlines for 8/30/99 (fwd)

[Planet Communications Computing Facility]

COMMUNICATIONS-RELATED HEADLINES for AUGUST 30, 1999

INTERNET

DEMOCRACY TUGS AT INTERNET AGENCY
Issue: Internet
Comparing it to a "constitutional convention for cyberspace.... without half
the colonies," critics charge that the interim board of the Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is favoring business and
government over nonprofits and individuals in its policymaking. At issue
are the board's policy setting practices and the lack of consumer and
nonprofit representation in its composition. Critics expressed concern about
proposed rules favoring corporations. During a public session held on
Wednesday, Esther Dyson, ICANN's interim chairwoman, responded to critics by
stating that the board was "less interested in complaints about process" and
more interested in "doing real work and moving forward." While ICANN's draft
rules on cybersquatting were roundly applauded, the proposal also raised
questions as to how ICANN would insure every Internet user a voice in the
process. ICANN responded by more narrowly defining "cybersquatter" adding a
good faith element to the draft. Concerns extend to the composition of the
board as well, while ICANN membership is marked by various government and
business entities, the interim board is struggling on how to structure the
at-large membership. One suggestion recommends 5000 members with the ability
to elect nine of the eighteen permanent members. Even that number, some
believe, would not to accurately represent all concerned parties.
[SOURCE: New York Times, C1, AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/08/biztech/articles/30ican.html)


Regards
Jeff Mason

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