Strickling responds to Marco Rubio et al regarding IANA transition

A well-reasoned response to a poorly reasoned concern.

NTIA Assistant Secretary Lawrence Strickling has responded to Senator Marco Rubio and four other members of Congress who questioned plans to remove the U.S. government’s direct role in the IANA functions.

Strickling explains why the fears are unfounded, and how the fresh structure actually reduces the ability of governments to interfere with international internet policy. He also explains how the governance features can’t feasibly be stress tested. You can read the letter here (pdf).

It appears as a throwaway line, but I think when Strickly wrote “I understand your concerns regarding change,” he’s taking a bit of a punch at Rubio. He’s suggesting Rubio et al. are engaging in a bit of FUD regarding the transition.

Indeed, change can be scary. But politicians don’t want to be told they can’t embrace change.

Meanwhile, Ted Cruz is taking it to another level with a video that is full of falsehoods.