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Our government's contract with ICANN expired, and on Oct. 1, ICANN assumed direct control over critical internet infrastructure. Typical of GOP liberal leadership, congressional leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., adjourned Congress without challenging Obama's plan to surrender control.

With confidence in the establishment media at an all-time low, alternative media's use of the internet is America's new popular channel of communication. Moreover, because many government services, telecommunications, emergency services (and military concerns) are critically tied to the internet, the passing of control to an international consortium raises concerns about national security, privacy, stability, and censorship. ICANN's Board of Directors includes members from 111 countries, many of which, aside from not being America's friends, are notorious for policing and censoring their citizens for expressing politically incorrect and religious ideas.

A number of Congressmen have expressed concern about an internet run as in China and Russia, and Attorneys General of four states unsuccessfully filed a lawsuit to block the turnover.

In September, 77 national security, cybersecurity, and industry leaders wrote to Obama's Defense Secretary and the Joint Chiefs Chairman calling on top military officials to oppose relinquishing American Internet guardianship to foreign corporations and countries.

Do we want this "Government Advisory Committee," including members from Bulgaria, Venezuela, Cuba, China and Russia, to oversee and control our internet?

This transfer is unconstitutional and unacceptable. Congress is responsible for the problem and must take action to correct it.

Call Sens. John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp and Rep. Kevin Cramer to oppose this move.

Stahl lives in Valley City, N.D.

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Letter: Internet security is in jeopardy - INFORUM