Washington, DC -- October 8, 1999 -- CDT Executive Director Jerry Berman released the following statement on the nomination of Rick White for the ICANN Board:

"The Internet was founded upon principles of openness and decentralized control. The domain name policy process should adhere to these principles through a system that embodies transparency, representation, and accountability. To do so, the newly elected ICANN Board of Directors will need to consider the impact of its decisions on the public at large, including non-commercial interests and Internet users who do not own domains. The Internet community has reached a critical juncture, and we need leaders who will create a unified vision of a open, stable Internet. We need leaders who will consider the interests of all Internet users, not just particular constituencies. I believe that Rick White meets these qualifications."

"As the Executive Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, I have had numerous opportunities to work with Rick White and see his leadership in action. Rick has demonstrated his ability to communicate effectively with non-profits, industry groups, and the technical community. He understands what it means to represent diverse groups. He understands accountability. This understanding will be essential in dealing with the important and contentious issues that ICANN will face in upcoming months -- particularly issues like the At Large Membership process that go to the heart of ICANN's legitimacy."

"As a co-chair of the Internet Caucus, Rick worked with CDT and other civil liberties groups against over-regulation of the Internet, and to preserve openness by fighting encryption restrictions and new content regulations. He sponsored forums to educate other members of Congress about the nature of the online medium. Most importantly, he has demonstrated an understanding of privacy, security, free expression, due process, and the limitations of government regulation online, and he has proved his willingness to work with us to defend these principles."