ICANN's VeriSign angle by Partha Bhattacharya
Must ICANN decide your and my 'dot com' fate? Going by recent reports, it seems
very likely. But before embarking on the issue, let's hark back a little.
Some time back, at the second World Information Summit at Tunis (16-18 November,
2005), a widely-held apprehension surfaced rather unceremoniously. The
issue
was whether ICANN (Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), a non-profit
entity operating from California, US that maintains and controls a master list
of generic domains, should continue to hold sway like it has so long been
doing.
There indeed was strong opposition from third-world countries to let ICANN
maintain its monopoly, especially with respect to the fact that ICANN is
supposedly controlled by the US government's department of commerce. Ultimately
though the issue lost steam mainly because there was no unanimity as to how a
multi-lateral system would work, should ICANN's monopoly be shunned.
In this backdrop, when it
became known
that ICANN is reportedly entering into agreement with VeriSign that virtually
allows the latter a perpetual monopoly over the .COM registry, it came as a
rude jolt to the internet community. Countless people allover are aghast at the
turn of events and worried that their internet business (related to .COM
domain) will henceforth be at VeriSign's mercy.
Let's not forget that ICANN controls not only generic domains, but also
country-specific suffixes like .in, .br, .jp and so on.
That being so, what guarantee that ICANN won't pass on their control to any
third party? Folks, it's tough time out there. If anyone is willing to join the
issue, do click here
.
Let's remember this is not time to stay away when someone else's house is
burning. Next time it may well be ours.
About the Author
This article is authored by Partha Bhattacharya, a freelance web designer and
content writer, and an avid web watcher. Partha Bhattacharya owns and operates
WebInfo, a free hot internet web marketing and webmaster Subscriptions.
Ideal for both start-ups and regulars alike.
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