In 2009, with [[ICANN]]’s original U.S. led contract ending in September, the EC appealed for international involvement in carrying out [[ICANN]]'s responsibilities. At that time, ICANN was more of a private firm that ultimately answered to the US Government's [[DOC|Department of Commerice]]. The EC explained that the management of the Internet, which had become a vital part of the global economy and tool for worldwide communications, should not be assigned to a single country.<ref name="link4">[http://ec.europa.eu/news/science/090825_en.htm ec.europa.eu]</ref> | In 2009, with [[ICANN]]’s original U.S. led contract ending in September, the EC appealed for international involvement in carrying out [[ICANN]]'s responsibilities. At that time, ICANN was more of a private firm that ultimately answered to the US Government's [[DOC|Department of Commerice]]. The EC explained that the management of the Internet, which had become a vital part of the global economy and tool for worldwide communications, should not be assigned to a single country.<ref name="link4">[http://ec.europa.eu/news/science/090825_en.htm ec.europa.eu]</ref> |