An Open Letter To ICANN From The Internet Economy

BECKERMAN: “It is critically important that a successful ICANN multistakeholder process succeed, not just in theory, but also in reality.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Internet Association issued an open letter to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) President and CEO Göran Marby, arguing ICANN has a unique opportunity now, more than ever before, to set the Internet on a path forward to thrive. In particular, IA highlights that if done properly, the nearly 20-year transition of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions to a multistakeholder model will cultivate and strengthen innovation by ensuring an open Internet.

“It is critically important that a successful ICANN multistakeholder process succeed, not just in theory, but also in reality, said Michael Beckerman, President and CEO of the Internet Association. “Your first 100 days in office provide a significant opportunity for you to send the right signal to the multistakeholder community: the new ICANN is indeed different and committed not only to the letter but also to the spirit of the IANA transition proposal.”

Equitable treatment of all stakeholders, including Internet companies, within a global multistakeholder model will ensure that the Internet remains a hub for innovation around the world. The letter elaborates that, “the new multistakeholder model will bring Internet users from around the world together to celebrate and invest in ideas that cultivate and strengthen innovation.”

Additionally, the Internet Association reminds Marby that a successful multistakeholder model transition “will strengthen the Internet’s position as one of the most accessible, empowering, and liberating forces in human history.”

To read the full letter, click here.

###