Debate Continues on ICANN Internet Governance Role

LUXEMBOURG CITY — During a four-day conference in this country wedged between France, Germany and the Netherlands, government representatives debated with Internet stakeholders and a slew of lawyers to decide governance of the Internet, especially ICANN’s role.

Representatives from Brazil, major supplier of the world’s transvestite porn, and Denmark, which is one of the few countries that doesn’t prohibit bestiality, were angered about ICANN’s seemingly unilateral adoption of the .XXX sponsored top-level domain.

“You have made this and many decisions without consulting countries that will be affected by it,” a member of the Danish contingent said at Tuesday’s meeting.

ICANN, which is overseen by and operates under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, has often been criticized for its reluctance to be forthcoming about its policies. But the organization this week adopted “transparency” measures that included allowing minutes of Board meetings to be published.

The Working Group on Internet Governance [WGIG] released several recommendations to democratize control of the Internet. It included taking ICANN oversight away from Commerce and replacing it with a General Internet Council comprised of members of the private and government sectors.

"Internet governance is the development and application by governments, the private sector and civil society, in their respective roles, of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programs that shape the evolution and use of the Internet,” WGIG’s report recommended.

Final reports from the Luxembourg conference will be released next week. As the United States has expressed reluctance to let control of the Internet go, WGIG’s recommendations seem a likely alternative to exporting Internet oversight to a United Nations body, as has been the rumor in recent weeks.

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

TEAs Show Hosts Defiant Celebration as Community Unites Amid Uncertainty

There was celebration in the air at the 2025 Trans Erotica Awards on Sunday night, but beneath the evening's festivities ran a strong undercurrent of defiance.

2025 TEAs Winners Announced

Winners of the 2025 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) were revealed Sunday night during an invitation-only event at Avalon nightclub in Hollywood.

NYU Study Finds Age Verification Laws Don't Work

A group of university researchers has published a study whose findings suggest that age verification laws are ineffective at achieving their stated goal of preventing minors from accessing adult content.

XVideos Loses Advertiser Reporting Appeal in EU Court

Web Group Czech Republic (WGCZ), parent company of XVideos, has lost an appeal in the top EU court to be temporarily exempted from a requirement to publish a list of the site's advertisers.

2025 Pornhub Awards to Be Held May 8 in Los Angeles

The seventh annual Pornhub Awards will take place May 8 in Los Angeles.

Illinois Lawmakers Propose Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work

Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced a bill that would completely decriminalize consensual sex work in the state.

VR Bangers Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

VR Bangers has joined the ranks of over 60 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Missouri House Gives Initial Approval to Age Verification Bill

The Missouri House of Representatives has given initial approval to HB 236, the state's proposed age verification law.

Proposed Australian eSafety Codes Include AV Requirement for Adult Sites

Australia’s online safety regulator, eSafety, is reviewing the final draft of proposed safety codes that include a requirement for adult sites to implement age assurance measures for Australian users.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Self-Harm' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who engage in self-harming behaviors.

Show More