Twomey: ICANNot Stay

In late 2009, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers will begin accepting applications for an indefinite number of new generic top-level domain names, ushering in what critics say will be a disastrous era of consumer confusion, domain name abuse, trademark infringement and phishing. So really, can you blame ICANN President and CEO Paul Twomey for stepping down at the end of the year? Who would want to preside over the implementation of a plan facing opposition from virtually every corner, including the one occupied by the U.S. Department of Commerce? Not I. In a statement issued this afternoon, Twomey said he will not seek another three-year term when his contract expires later this year. “While I am deeply and personally committed to Icann and its success, I think this is the right time for me to move on to another leadership position in the private or international sectors,” he said.

Right time, indeed.