Dive Brief:
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Officials said the U.S. will retain oversight of Internet domain naming and addressing functions through at least September 2016.
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ICANN had recently published a proposal to become an independent organization.
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However, the Commerce Department said more time is needed to plan a potential handoff.
Dive Insight:
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration wants to relinquish oversight of ICANN to a global, multi-stakeholder body. ICANN is responsible for ensuring unique identifiers in Internet addresses to ensure a coordinated Internet.
But Lawrence Strickling, assistant secretary of Commerce for communications and information, said more planning is needed before ICANN functions are handed over.
"It has become increasingly apparent over the last few months that the community needs time to complete its work, have the plan reviewed by the U.S. government and then implement it if it is approved,” Strickling said.
ICANN had recently published a proposal to become an independent organization, but some lawmakers oppose the plan over concerns that another country could tighten controls on the Internet.
