The Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and
Numbers has now filled two-thirds of its 18 board slots and
assuaged early concerns of industry observers who felt the U.S. was in
danger of being unrepresented.
Elections conducted in early October resulted in three Europeans, one Canadian and one Asian being named, but no Americans.
After the latest elections, MCIWorldcom (WCOM) vice president and Internet pioneer Vint Cert will be joining the board. Cerf was
selected by ICANN’s Protocol Supporting Organization.
“We are heaving a great sigh of relief that we asked them to (the supporting
organizations) do that and they did,” said ICANN interim president Mike
Roberts. “We’re very pleased. They are all great people with lots of
experience.”
House Commerce Committee chairman Thomas Bliley, R-Va, who has been a frequent critic of ICANN, said
last week that it would be “unfortunate” if the U.S. was underrepresented
because it boasts the majority of Net users and businesses in addition to being
the world’s leader in inventing and promoting the Internet.