Updating Internet Governance

[Commentary] The technical business of managing Internet addresses and domain names has often taken on geopolitical overtones. About a year ago, some countries including Russia and China tried to pressure the United States into relinquishing management and coordination of web addresses to the telecommunications arm of the United Nations. Efforts to change the system -- managed by a nonprofit organization under a contract from the Department of Commerce -- should be viewed skeptically, particularly when they come from governments that do not respect the freedom of expression.

From its early days as a network built and used by American government and university scientists, the Internet has evolved into a vital utility used by billions of people around the world. What’s needed now is a clear examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system of Internet addresses and how it can be made better.