Who's Problem is it Anyways?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Who's Problem is it Anyways?

Who should we trust with our personal lives and information?

8
Who's Problem is it Anyways?
Youtube

84.2% of the United States population are Internet users-over 266 million people. Children are introduced to electronics and the Internet at incredibly early ages with online games and websites geared towards children. People use the Internet to connect with friends, find a date, use a calendar, plan a vacation. Americans spend hours online, and without much thought or worry at all. However, with the immense amount of citizens utilizing the Internet each day, regulation and control is a necessity for the purpose of security and safety. But, who should be given the authority and key to such a powerful part of American society?

47 years ago, it was decided that the government should have the power to control and oversee several Internet functions. Through this decision, the federal government had the capability to oversee and exercise control over the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). However, as of October 1st, 2016, the government has given up this vast power. Instead, citizens will be entrusting their Internet lives in the hands of ICANN alone. In other words, everything that happens behind a lifeless computer screen can and will be monitored by a now truly independent non-profit organization based in California.

The decision has received mixed reviews. Some politicians, such as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and conservative Senator Ted Cruz, have criticized and expressed concern about the idea. In a recent statement, Ted Cruz said, “President Obama intends to give increased control of the Internet to authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, and Iran. Like Jimmy Carter gave away the Panama Canal, Obama is giving away the Internet.” In a time of cyberwarfare, a respectable amount of politicians and citizens worry that the government must use federal power to monitor the Internet for possible terrorism and online warfare. By entrusting the government with Internet control, the agony of security is eliminated ever-so slightly, which, for many citizens is reasoning alone to give Internet control back to the federal government.

If the prospect of lowering security is not a problem, is ignoring and impeding on our First Amendment rights problematic? By giving internet control over to ICANN, the topic of the First Amendment and whether or not this decision compromises it arises. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Obviously, the idea of Internet control only overlaps with nine words in the entire Amendment- “abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” ICANN is controlled by a small, powerful board of influential people. By giving Internet control to ICANN, the government is agreeing to the terms that they will have the ability to protect their citizens. But is that possible without saying goodbye to First Amendment rights? Would the Internet be a free space anymore?

The truth of the matter is that, like most decisions regarding the federal government, a correct answer does not exist. With ICANN in charge, security and First Amendment rights are compromised. However, with the government in charge, are we beginning to stray too far away from the federalist/separation of powers ideals that the Founding Fathers had hoped for? The Internet is a powerful and influential source. While useful, it carries dangers as well. In the midst of cyberwarfare so intense that the first presidential debate asked Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump how they would stop it, the decision to give control to ICANN is a risky one. But this problem will not disappear overnight.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53715
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34561
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957011
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181712
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments