news Russia calls for ICANN to split from US

pb · Sep 9, 2024

"According to OFAC, domain registration services are exempt from the US sanctions. That has not stopped several domain registries and registrars ceasing business with Russians on moral grounds."

So much for Internet neutrality. Sure, registrars, are free to kick out sanctioned entities, but registries and ICANN should be neutral, IMO (as much as I want Russia to bite the dust). I wonder, if Iran wanted to launch a Farsi TLD, will it be rejected because "Iran bad"? What the US has to do with it?

Future Sensors · Sep 9, 2024

Here's RIPE NCC's official position on Ukraine/Russia.

https://www.ripe.net/membership/member-support/the-ripe-ncc-and-ukraine-russia/

bmugford · Sep 9, 2024

pb said:
"According to OFAC, domain registration services are exempt from the US sanctions. That has not stopped several domain registries and registrars ceasing business with Russians on moral grounds."

So much for Internet neutrality. Sure, registrars, are free to kick out sanctioned entities, but registries and ICANN should be neutral, IMO (as much as I want Russia to bite the dust). I wonder, if Iran wanted to launch a Farsi TLD, will it be rejected because "Iran bad"? What the US has to do with it?

I kind of see legacy extensions like regulated utilities. In general, registry operators should not be blocking registrations on subjective grounds.

nGtld are kind of different, because now all of a sudden there are hundreds of different companies that actually own the extensions. They are not just the operators.

Right or wrong, in most cases companies can generally choose who they do business with.

Russia's complaint seems more theoretical though. I would love to see actual examples of registries that have blocked them.

It's pretty clear ICANN is not going block domain applicants just because they are from Russia.

Brad

bmugford · Sep 9, 2024

Also, the organization has to be domiciled somewhere.

Right now it is in the US and it is likely to stay that way.

It worked out alright when ICANN tried to give the greenlight to the private equity .ORG takeover despite the overwhelming public sentiment against it.

It was only when the California AG stepped in, that ICANN did an about face and rejected the deal.

I don't really trust ICANN to just do the right thing. They actually need some oversight and accountability as well.

Brad

Future Sensors · Sep 9, 2024

Historically, similar forces have advocated for transferring some of ICANN’s functions to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These forces often include countries seeking greater control over internet resources, and a more multilateral approach to governance, as opposed to the current model perceived as US-centric.

https://www.techmonitor.ai/technology/icann_to_fend_off_itu_with_global_expansion

bmugford · Sep 9, 2024

Future Sensors said:
Historically, similar forces have advocated for transferring some of ICANN’s functions to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These forces often include countries seeking greater control over internet resources, and a more multilateral approach to governance, as opposed to the current model perceived as US-centric.

https://www.techmonitor.ai/technology/icann_to_fend_off_itu_with_global_expansion

The US is not perfect, but does have a decent track record.

ICANN already has very limited oversight now. The idea of some nebulous organization with absolutely no oversight at all would be troubling.

Brad

pb · Sep 9, 2024

bmugford said:
I would love to see actual examples of registries that have blocked them.

"As of November 10, 2023, SITA, the administrator of the “.aero” domain zone, has stopped accepting orders for registration and renewal of domain registration in the domain zone “.aero” to clients from the Russian Federation."

https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/zhivov-to-sinha-07jun24-en.pdf

bmugford · Sep 9, 2024

pb said:
"As of November 10, 2023, SITA, the administrator of the “.aero” domain zone, has stopped accepting orders for registration and renewal of domain registration in the domain zone “.aero” to clients from the Russian Federation."

https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/zhivov-to-sinha-07jun24-en.pdf

Interesting.

If this part from the letter is accurate, then ICANN should already have authority to act now.

We note that SITA, as the registrar of the “.aero” domain zone, does not have the right to make arbitrary decisions and shall be guided by ICANN policies, which do not provide for indiscriminate blocking of customers based on territorial, national or other general characteristics.

Then this -

ICANN responded to the letter yesterday, three months after Zhinov sent the letter. ICANN’s response stated, “If you believe the registry operator has failed to comply with any of the obligations set forth by the .aero Top-Level Domain (TLD) Sponsorship Agreement, you may consider submitting a complaint to Contractual Compliance.”

ICANN just kind of sucks in general. I don't think setting them free from any possible accountability is going to lead to some improvement.

Brad

Future Sensors · Sep 9, 2024

bmugford said:
ICANN just kind of sucks in general.

Assuming that is the case, there is just one TLD that would really fit the organization perfectly.

bmugford · Sep 9, 2024

Future Sensors said:
Assuming that is the case, there is just one TLD that would really fit the organization perfectly.

Sure, but you should probably buy .foo also for brand protection.

Brad

eyedomainous · Sep 11, 2024

The web should open with a splash screen that states:

MADE IN THE USA
*RESTRICTIONS APPLY

pb · Sep 11, 2024

Future Sensors said:
Assuming that is the case, there is just one TLD that would really fit the organization perfectly.

ICANN approved!

Acroplex · Sep 15, 2024

Cry me a river, Russia. What's next, North Korea demanding to take over the .Kim gTLD?

guillon · Sep 15, 2024

Last time the United Nations had russia to lead their "security council", their leader even shaked hands with Lavrov. I sincerely hope ICANN never ends in the hands of the UN.

The Durfer · Sep 16, 2024

the only way to do it is by capitalism and russia cant stand that option anyway. A competitive icann.org alternative and setting it all up again. More satellite trash in space etc.

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