ICANN is the master of the Internet in its role of controlling IANA and the connections between all IP addresses. It has performed this role very well – as is proven by the awesome Internet that we have today.
However, change is coming. The Obama administration is severing the special oversight the US has over ICANN and replacing it with a governance model more like the UN — an international multi-stakeholder model.
Why should those of us who care about freedom care about this? The Internet is international. ICANN doesn't police the Internet. It doesn’t create technical policy on how the Internet works. It doesn’t set prices or levy taxes. It just makes it possible for every user to connect to every other user; or, inversely, it just has the power to shut out unpopular voices by blocking individuals or even whole countries from connecting to other users, web sites and services.
Don’t think this can happen? Read here about how ICANN’s leadership reacted to calls for increased transparency at their most recent meeting.
The Internet is the embodiment of American exceptionalism. It is the most powerful tool for freedom and individuality America has given to freedom seekers around the world since the US Constitution; and Obama is about to give it away and diminish the US’ voice to be only one of many others. Without a strong voice for freedom, authoritarian nations will be free to use their strengthened roles at ICANN to push their interests and make the Internet more like Russia and China – and less like America.
Spread the word. It’s time to take back our Internet.
-Team Freedom