Schatz Statement on NTIA’s IANA Transition Report

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, issued the following statement after the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a report on the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) transition proposal.

“NTIA’s report confirms that the IANA transition proposal meets all of NTIA’s criteria.

“The detailed process undertaken by NTIA reflects Congress’ expectations for the transition as it was outlined in the DOTCOM Act that Chairman Thune and I introduced a year ago.

“There is no question that the transition – supported by businesses, civil society, and the broad internet stakeholder community – must move forward. The consensus plan for many years, through many administrations, has always been to turn the IANA functions over to the private sector.  In fact, Congress and the U.S. government at large have expressed unanimous support for the multistakeholder model of international internet governance.  I encourage the multistakeholder community and ICANN to finalize its work on implementing the plan in an expeditious manner, as recommended by NTIA, so that the transition can proceed this year.

“The internet may have its roots in America but its social, economic, and human rights benefits depend on the internet’s global nature. A successful IANA transition will ensure that the global community continues to benefit from an open internet.”