U.S. Decision on Net Oversight Stirs Concerns

A unilateral decision by the United States to indefinitely retain oversight of the Internet’s main traffic-directing computers prompted concerns that the global telecommunications network could eventually splinter.

“This seems like an extension of American security in the aftermath of 9/11,” said John Strand, a Denmark-based technology consultant. “People will ask, ‘Do the Americans want to control the Internet?’ ”

Washington’s decision, announced Thursday, departs from previously stated U.S. policy.