#United States #ICANN #VPN #ccTLD #Atlanta, Washington

VPN.com CEO Advocates for Reassessing ICANN's ccTLD Policies

In a notable call to action, Michael Gargiulo, the CEO of VPN.com, has urged the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to reevaluate its policies regarding country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). The impetus behind Gargiulo's plea stems from the alarming trend of governments employing internet censorship and, in extreme cases, committing acts of violence against their own citizens. He argues that such actions should warrant a comprehensive review and potential sanctions against the responsible nations.

Gargiulo proposes that ICANN considers implementing specific thresholds based on the severity of internet censorship and the associated loss of life, which would, in turn, trigger consequences for those nations engaging in systematic internet blackouts or human rights violations. This bold recommendation implies that if a government’s coordinated death toll surpasses a predetermined limit, its ccTLD could face removal or temporary restriction from the DNS root zone.

According to Gargiulo, "ICANN has a unique responsibility in shaping global internet policy. However, this responsibility must account for government actions that censor and harm their citizens. When countries actively shut down internet access, particularly during critical times of unrest, it is crucial to reassess their access to the larger global internet infrastructure."

Introducing Accountability to Internet Governance

While Gargiulo emphasizes the need for accountability mechanisms, he also advocates for peaceful diplomatic solutions to remain the global priority. He suggests a tiered accountability structure where significant government restrictions on internet access could lead to the temporary or permanent removal of their ccTLDs from the DNS root zone.

Gargiulo is adamant that this initiative is not intended to punish the citizens of these countries. Instead, he views it as a means of promoting stability and diplomacy through the digital economy. He remarks, "The internet, including ccTLDs, serves as a pivotal economic tool. They underpin business operations, facilitate international trade, and help governments generate digital revenues. If a government opts for censorship and large-scale human rights violations, it should not reap the benefits of the infrastructure sustained by more peaceful countries."

ccTLDs as Instruments of Economic Leverage

Highlighting the situation of ccTLDs that continue to function despite facing international sanctions, Gargiulo mentions examples like .ru for Russia, .ve for Venezuela, .ir for Iran, and .kp for North Korea. These domains serve as reminders of the resilience of their digital infrastructure, even amid intense geopolitical strife. "ICANN possesses the power to leverage its influence through targeted domain-level sanctions, which could emerge as a highly effective, non-violent strategy for fostering peace that has yet to be fully explored," Gargiulo contends.

The implications of Gargiulo's recommendations could reshape not just how we perceive internet governance, but also how we engage with nations that violate basic human rights through internet censorship. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the intersection of technology and international relations becomes increasingly critical.

As the CEO of VPN.com, Gargiulo leads a team advocating for stronger domain policy leadership at the convergence of technology and global affairs. Their extensive expertise includes making significant investments, such as spending $1 million on their domain name to emphasize the importance of domain ownership and governance in today's digital landscape.

To keep updated on advancements in domain policies and the ongoing dialogues regarding internet governance, visit VPN.com for more information.

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