The Principles of the White Paper
1. Stability.
The U.S. Government should end its role in the Internet number and name address
system in a manner that ensures the stability of the Internet. The introduction
of a new management system should not disrupt current operations or create competing
root systems. During the transition and thereafter, the stability of the Internet
should be the first priority of any DNS management system. Security and reliability
of the DNS are important aspects of stability, and as a new DNS management system
is introduced, a comprehensive security strategy should be developed.
2. Competition.
The Internet succeeds in great measure because it is a decentralized system
that encourages innovation and maximizes individual freedom. Where possible,
market mechanisms that support competition and consumer choice should drive
the management of the Internet because they will lower costs, promote innovation,
encourage diversity, and enhance user choice and satisfaction.
3. Private, Bottom-Up Coordination.
Certain management functions require coordination. In these cases, responsible,
private-sector action is preferable to government control. A private coordinating
process is likely to be more flexible than government and to move rapidly enough
to meet the changing needs of the Internet and of Internet users. The private
process should, as far as possible, reflect the bottom-up governance that has
characterized development of the Internet to date.
4. Representation.
The new corporation should operate as a private entity for the benefit of the
Internet community as a whole. The development of sound, fair, and widely accepted
policies for the management of DNS will depend on input from the broad and growing
community of Internet users. Management structures should reflect the functional
and geographic diversity of the Internet and its users. Mechanisms should be
established to ensure international participation in decision making.
Source: The Department
of Commerce White Paper on the Management of Internet Names and Addresses
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/6_5_98dns.htm