The European Council, representing 28 governments, has supported a plan for the US to give up control over the body that manages the global internet’s systems of unique identifiers.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a not-for-profit, public-benefit corporation with global participants, who intend to keep the Internet secure, stable and interoperable.
It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet’s unique identifiers.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the endorsement form Europe was part of an effort by ICANN chief executive Fadi Chehadé to secure support from world governments to let the corporation manage itself.
In an interview, Chehadé said China and Brazil had supported the idea and Russia is awaiting the US’ response.
He said: "India’s position on this is very critical."
The revelations by Edward Snowden have forced the US to stop overseeing ICANN in an attempt to restore partnerships with other nations.
Chehadé said he worries that the transition will take more time and the US will oversee the corportaion longer than anticipated.
He was quoted by the news agency as saying, "If we take years to implement this, and remain under U.S. stewardship, then there may be a lot of forces around the world that may not have the patience for this to be finalized."
