AP reporter Matt Moore writes, “A decision by the U.S. to retain oversight of the computers that control Internet traffic drew harsh criticism about the lack of independence it could mean for the free-flowing, anything-goes communication network.

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

The United States announced the move Thursday, publishing a four-paragraph statement online, saying that it would retain - indefinitely - oversight of the computers that control traffic on the Internet, instead of gradually releasing control to an international body, as some countries have favored.”

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