We don't often think of the coordination behind the Internet, because we just expect the thing to work. But one big reason it works is because ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) makes sure every website has a unique address.
Now the CEO of ICANN, Rod Beckstrom wants to expand the addresses available to the world. I spoke to him about that and the global nature of the Internet. Push play to watch the extended version of my interview with Beckstrom.
Comments
I agree with Beckstrom that the internet or the world wide web is global and all countries - not just one - but the uniform of .com and Latin chars brought the countries together and let them communicate. I agree that knowing english helps and that being non english excludes you from 80% of the web, but aren't humans not hungry for knowledge?
I know the world is global, but wouldn't it be nice if everyone could communicate in one language?
The idea to add local-character domains -- ie: Arabic or Chinese characters -- is a good way to make the global internet more local. And could help local keyboard manufacturers sell more keypads.
Beckstrom makes a good point. The internet or the world wide web is global and all countries - not just one - should have a say in how it is governed.