Comments on: U.N. summit revives concerns about Net control

Diplomats head to Athens for a summit that will resume a long-simmering debate about the United States' role on the Internet.

[LarryLo]

Our government paid for it....its ours.

I don't understand why these third world nations (or any nation) complain about ICANN and "the control of the US government" We (the US) created the internet, we paid for it through private expenditure and lots of government grants (which ultimately means tax payer money). We gave every country their own TLD they can control and do what they want with, but we didn't have to.

Yes the internet has evolved into a global network, with huge growth in Asia and elsewhere. That does not erase history, its still ours.

No one told China or India or Cuba for that matter they can't build their own internet and then they can stifle all the free speech (China and Cuba) they want. They are like guest's who come for dinner and want to take the pots and pans home with them.

As for the UN controlling the internet, I don't think that's a good idea either. Not that they are not a valuable organization. I just shudder at the thought of the regulations and taxes they would levy on it to "maintain it" (as demonstrated by their stellar book keeping).

In short, we made, we let you use, if you don't like it by all means build your own network and block the internet, because that will greatly benefit your people...won't it.

[airwalkery2k]

They made some investment too

Those countries that are complaining made their own investment in Internet Infrastructure. They have purchased computers. They have their own servers and lines traversing their nations.

What's to stop China from separating from the one thing that hold the internet togther--ICANN?

Not a whole lot.

[avid reader]

...NET CONTROL

I am extremely concerned about the US giving up its power/control of ICANN and the Internet for many reasons. But also because I own a quite a few URLs and I am afraid of foreign 3rd world governments and foreign nationals attempting and succeeding in 'stealing' names.

If and when that should happen, having to fight a foreign radical entity (radical because they hate the US) to get back what is rightfully yours will be a headache unlike any other.

Large companies with large bank accounts could fight that and win but the smaller guys will lose! I don't know if my concerns are 'righteous' at this time but I do NOT trust foreigners regarding this issue or the United Nations!!!! And yes, I agree with the last post, we had a huge part of its development. Letting freak nations like IRAN, CUBA and CHINA (among others) have an increased role and control will ultimately be a huge mistake!

[Heebee Jeebies]

Well...

Since the US started the net, the US supported the net more than anyone else. Since the US did most of the work to make the net what it is for the rest of the world, we should control it.

However, that doesn't mean we should run rough over everyone else. The US is a domacracy and so we should listed to what others are saying and if it doesn't pose a threat and can be done without messing things up then the US should consider doing it.

Robert

[Heebee Jeebies]

Well...

Since the US started the net, the US supported the net more than anyone else. Since the US did most of the work to make the net what it is for the rest of the world, we should control it.

However, that doesn't mean we should run rough over everyone else. The US is a democracy and so we should listed to what others are saying and if it doesn't pose a threat and can be done without messing things up then the US should consider doing it.

Robert