Republicans are blasting the Obama administration’s plan to relinquish U.S. control of the back end of the Internet, saying the move could lead to a dramatic loss of free speech and the likes of China or Russia overseeing web content.
For more than a decade, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has contracted with the United States to manage the Internet’s domain name system. But now, the Los Angeles-based company wants to go global and shed its all-American image, Politico reported.
The White House just announced that it will not seek a new management contract when the current one expires in 2015, a decision that follows the European Union’s proposal to set up a “clear timeline” to globalize the company and the duties it performs, Politico reported.
Meanwhile, the unknown of who will take the management reins has Republicans in a tizzy, worried about the United Nations or an anti-American nation assuming the role.
“While I certainly agree our nation must stridently review our procedures regarding surveillance in light of the NSA controversy, to put ourselves in a situation where censorship-laden governments like China or Russia could take a firm hold on the Internet itself is truly a scary thought,” Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, told Politico.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tweeted a response to the White House’s announcement: “Every American should worry about Obama giving up control of the Internet to an undefined group. This is very, very dangerous.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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