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)