Arch Puddington ["Keep the Internet Free," op-ed, Nov. 12] is economical with the truth on the European Union's position on Internet freedom, an issue high on the agenda of the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis this week.
The European Union has been a staunch supporter of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) since its inception in 1998. Uppermost on the list of E.U. priorities is the need to guard against the encroachment of several governments on the Internet's freedom, which is valued highly by more than 450 million E.U. citizens. To ensure a free, stable, open and democratic Internet, the European Union believes that governments should not have a say in the day-to-day management of the Internet. Citizens, however, are entitled to expect their governments to confront issues of global concern such as spam and cybercrime, which threaten the smooth functioning of the Net.
Contrary to what Mr. Puddington alleged, the European Union favors creating a new model of international cooperation and has proposed doing so within the existing ICANN structure, not under the auspices -- much less control -- of the United Nations or any other body.
ANTHONY GOOCH
Spokesman
Delegation of the European Commission
to the United States
Washington
