Changes

== European Commission and ICANN ==

== European Commission and ICANN ==

===Reactions to Internet Governance and Policy Issues===

===Reactions to Internet Governance and Policy Issues===

Generally speaking, it can be said that the EC has had a tense but changing relationship with ICANN. Earlier, it had supported moves to make ICANN more accountable to its stakeholders outside of the US Government; later, it wrote to the US Government asking it to intervene in decisions by the [[ICANN Board]] that it did not agree with. It still largely claims to support the multi-stakeholder model, though it seems to want a privileged control over final decisions. It's statements in the recent past have shown a deep passion for potential changes to the Internet and [[Root Zone|root zone]], but a general lack of knowledge with regards to the extent of previous debates and ICANN's traditional functions. Recently, they seem to be pushing for greater oversight over ICANN.  

Generally speaking, it can be said that the EC has had a tense but changing relationship with ICANN. Earlier, it had supported moves to make ICANN more accountable to its stakeholders outside of the US Government; later, it wrote to the US Government asking it to intervene in decisions by the [[ICANN Board]] that it did not agree with. It still largely claims to support the multi-stakeholder model, though it seems to want a privileged control over final decisions. Its statements in the recent past have shown a deep passion for potential changes to the Internet and [[Root Zone|root zone]], but a general lack of knowledge with regards to the extent of previous debates and ICANN's traditional functions. Recently, they seem to be pushing for greater oversight over ICANN.  

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>