[WSIS CS-Plenary] IP3: "ICANN Reform: Establishing the Rule of Law"

[Hans Klein]

The following is a policy analysis prepared for WSIS:

"ICANN Reform: Establishing the Rule of Law"

Abstract
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Debates over Internet governance can be clarified by the
recognition that ICANN is a regulatory agency.  Its
responsibilities for setting base prices, protecting
trademarks, and controlling market entry are typical
of a regulatory agency.  Principles for good governance
of regulatory agencies exist and should be applied to
ICANN.  These emphasize the rule of law, i.e. reliance
on rules to limit power politics.

ICANN's history shows how private governance can be
captured by powerful players.  At WSIS governments
need to create and enforce a legally-defined framework
that limits the power of all stakeholders -- including
governments themselves.  By establishing the rule of law,
the politicized processes of ICANN can be replaced by
more predictable, fair, and efficient decision-making.

http://www.ip3.gatech.edu/images/ICANN-Reform_Establishing-the-Rule-of-Law.pdf

Author: Hans Klein, Associate Professor of Public Policy
Georgia Institute of Technology

Available at: www.IP3.gatech.edu

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