[governance] NTIA says ICANN "does not meet the requirements" for IANA renewal

[Milton L Mueller]

> 
> Perhaps the next IGF should have some sessions focusing on the nature
> of, and a definition for "the global public interest".
> 

Count me out of that session. As we've learned from broadcasting regulation, the public interest is an inherently imprecise term; seductive to self-styled progressive, invoking it does not improve regulation or oversight in the slightest. At best, one can tie it to other concepts and standards which are susceptible to actual measurement, such as "promoting competition" or "efficiency" or redistributive justice. At worst, it becomes an arbitrary flag one can use to wrap around any prejudice one likes. Don't like what Gurstein says? Claim that his words harm the public interest. If enough people agree with you, they will shut him up. Of course, the public interest just happens to coincide with the interest of the powerful censors, monopolies, cartels, political coalitions, protected groups, etc. Playing this old game, "dress up the private interest as public interest" is not a good use of our time. 


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