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 © 2024 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

Politicians Aim to Study Effects of FOSTA-SESTA on Sex Workers

In an encouraging sign for sex workers, California State Representative Ro Khanna and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have reintroduced the SAFE SEX Workers Study Act, which aims to study the effects of FOSTA-SESTA.

Pornhub to Shut Down Access in Florida Over Age Verification

Aylo will geo-block Pornhub across Florida on January 1, when H.B. 3, the state's age verification law, goes into effect.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for October, November

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in October and November.

Texas Bill Aims to Ban Sex Toys at 'Big-Box' Retailers

Republican State Representative Hillary Hickland has introduced a bill in the Texas legislature that would restrict the sale of pleasure products at "big-box" and other non-adult retailers.

Jacquie et Michel Acquired by 'International Fund'

French adult studio Jacquie et Michel has been acquired by an international fund, marking a significant development for the well-known brand.

YouPay Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor, Introduces 'Permanent Donation' Feature

Australian gifting platform YouPay has joined the ranks of Pineapple Support’s partner-level sponsors.

Byborg Seals Investment and Licensing Partnership With PLBY Group

Luxembourg-based Byborg Enterprises SA has finalized an investment and licensing partnership with Playboy parent company PLBY Group.

UK Regulator Ofcom Publishes 1st Edition of Online Safety Codes

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom published on Monday the first edition of its online safety codes of practice and guidance for adult websites.

Industry Veteran Jon Berg Passes Away at 54

Jon Berg, a beloved member of the online adult industry, passed away on Monday following an eight-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was 54 and had recently entered hospice care after undergoing BiTE therapy.

Free Speech Coalition Sues Florida to Block AV Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced Monday that it has filed a legal challenge in Florida to block HB3, the state's age verification law.

Show More