Internet founder Vint Cerf has spoken about the his chairmanship coming to an end at ICANN and called for people to join the organisation. Cerf is moving aside in November to allow opportunities for other people passionate about the Internet.

An interview about the subject which was posted to the ICANN website, YouTube and the Google Video website. He stressed it is difficult to underestimate the importance of ICANN because it is responsible for policy with regard to certain technical aspects of the Internet. In the absence of interoperability, we don’t have an Internet.

Cerf reflects how the Internet has exploded and hugely driven economics. responsibility for policy has become making increasingly important because of the economic impact and because of political implications. ICANN’s Nominating Committee is accepting applications with a deadline of 18 May 2007, Cerf hopes this process will find people passionate about the Internet.

If I were looking forward, wondering what kind of people I would want to see serving. I would look for people who are sincere in their ability to participate — really are prepared to spend the time that is needed — and who have clear understanding of the functions of ICANN and understand what the limitations are. ICANN is a creation, it’s an invention that I don’t believe is mirrored by many other structures in the world… We are inventing new kinds of practices for the establishment of policy.

Other attributes required include financial skills and creative thinking. Decisions become harder and harder because the complexity of decisions has increased and their importance has increased. If you really care about how the Internet evolves, then you want to be a part of this apparatus… Your views and perspectives won’t be heard unless you participate. An individual can make a difference.