U.S. Control of ICANN Expected to Stir Debate at U.N. Forum

ATHENS, Greece — The United Nations will hold its first Internet Governance Forum Monday, where world technology leaders are expected to weigh in on the continuing controversy of a U.S.-dominated ICANN.

According to Greek Transport Minister Michalis Liapis, who helped organize the four-day event on behalf of the host nation, the international dispute over ICANN is unlikely to be resolved at the conference.

"Such negotiations are difficult; this will take time,” Liapis said. “There are many countries which all have their own interests and opinions. We are starting a dialogue, which I think will take many years."

The U.S. Commerce Department, which oversees ICANN, recently extended, but loosened, its control over the Marina Del Rey, Calif.-based organization for another three years.

In May, the debate over Internet control came to a head when the European Commission accused U.S. officials of exerting undue political influence over ICANN to kill .XXX, the proposed top-level domain for adult entertainment online.

Since that time, a chorus of foreign governments, Internet critics and international organizations has called for the U.S. to cede control of the Internet by taking the leash off of ICANN.

"Concerning ICANN, we believe, like the European Union, it should slowly become independent, and not to be subject any government influence," Liapis said. "We would like to see ICANN become autonomous and work under the rules of the free market. And I think that is the direction we are headed."

The Athens forum is expected to draw more than 1,200 people, including envoys from an array of countries, academics and technology experts.

In addition to discussions regarding ICANN’s independence, the creation of more non-Latin alphabet domain names is expected to be on the agenda, Nitin Desai, a special advisor to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said.

“The expansion of the Internet is going to take place in the developing world,” he said. “Five years from now, there will be many, many more users in Asia than in Europe and North America. Most Chinese people do not know the Latin alphabet. There'll be a point at which Chinese people will say ‘we have to have a Chinese system,’ and they will set up a different system.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More