IP: H. Commerce to investigate ICANN

[Dave Farber <farber@cis.upenn.edu>]

>
> >LAWMAKER BLASTS CLINTON INTERNET ADDRESS REFORM
> >Issue: Internet
> >Yesterday, House Commerce Committee Chairman Thomas Bliley (R-VA) issued an
> >investigation on the procedure for registering domain names. He said he is
> >"greatly concerned" that Icann, the non-profit organization chosen by Congress
> >to run the registration process, is exceeding its authority by imposing a $1
> >fee on every address issued. Bliley wants records and information
> >regarding the
> >selection of Icann's board members and its budget. He also wants any
> >statements/comments made by Icann officials threatening to terminate Network
> >Solutions --the company that had sole authority over the registrations, until
> >Icann was chosen this year. He also criticized Icann, for holding their board
> >meetings behind closed doors. In a letter to Icann Chairman Ester Dyson,
> >Bliley
> >said: "Rather than promote the Internet's evolution, your organization's
> >policies actually may jeopardize the continued stability of the underlying
> >systems that permit millions of people to use, enjoy and transact business on
> >the Internet."
> >[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Reuters]
> >(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/breaking/merc/docs/083148.htm)
> >