[Forwarded from Wired news. Let's cut to the chase: Which side is in the right? Who can tell me, in plain and simple language, who is fighting for individual freedom and property rights, and who is not?] [LINK] Foes Vow to Take Domain Name Fight to FCC by Gene Koprowski 5:01 pm PST 6 Feb 97 - A proposal by the International Ad Hoc Committee (IAHC) to expand the number of Internet top-level domain names is stirring opposition among alternative domain name providers. Opponents call the plan "unenforceable," and are considering filing a protest with the Federal Communications Commission, indicating that the IAHC policy might violate the 1996 Telecommunication Act's open access provisions. "We didn't want to have to get my guns, rifles, and bombs out - but now we have to," Carl Denninger, president of Macro Computer Solutions, Chicago, a long-time opponent of IACH, tells Wired News. "If someone doesn't point a revolver at them, they will be able to do whatever they want to do." On Tuesday, the intergovernmental body issued a proposal to expand the number of generic top-level domains (GTLDs), adding seven new listings in addition to the existing ones, which include the familiar .com, .net, and .org. The new GTLDs would include .firm, for businesses; .store, for retail businesses; .web, for Web-related companies; .arts, for cultural organizations; .rec, for recreation and entertainment facilities; .info, for information services; and .nom, for individuals. Perry Metzger, a member of the IAHC board, said that the organization, whose members include the International Telecommunications Union and the World Intellectual Property Organization, will likely formally approval the proposal very quickly. "This is not a done deal. The paperwork needs to be signed. An association to handle this has to be set up," says Metzger. "But it will go forward very soon. I'm sure plenty of people will not be in favor of it. But the question is: What can they do to stop it?" The answer is plenty, says Denninger. He and others, like Eugene Kashpureff of Alternic, have long fought the IAHC's attempts to expand the number of GTLDs. They think the creation of these new categories may lead to trademark infringement and other intellectual property problems. They also think the new domain names will "fragment" the Internet, leaving some users unable to communicate with others, if a server does not recognize the name request. Denninger said he received a leaked copy of the IACH proposal earlier this week, and he and his colleagues are considering bringing their protests to the FCC. "We're given open access under the telecom law," says Denninger. "We might talk to the FCC or the Clinton administration about this." Barring that, Denninger will lobby Internet service providers around the country, asking them not to recognize the new GTLDs. "There is no reason to support it. We will do everything in our power to convince ISPs not to go along," he says. As part of that, he is launching a national public relations and lobbying campaign to alert the Internet community about the IACH proposal. [LINK] Copyright © 1993-97 Wired Ventures, Inc. and affiliated companies. All rights reserved.