It appears that the IPv6 AAAA "glue" records for .com and .net are now in the root zone. This means that for the average name query there will be two fewer IPv4 A "glue" records records than before, in other words about 15% fewer than previously.
It appears that neither NTIA, ICANN, nor IANA has made any inquiry regarding the safety of this change, particularly during the kinds of partial net connectivity situations that occur during natural and human disasters.
The reckless unconcern for net reliability and for the consequences of a change stands in stark contrast to ICANN's use of any exuse, no matter how irrelevant (such as the pronounceability of the name). to block new top level domains (TLDs.)
What makes this more ironic is that many who are testing this new change are finding that the new IPv6 servers are not reachable.
There is no stronger reason to pull the domain name system management role from NTIA, ICANN, and IANA and vest it in the ITU (or similar body) than the simple fact that neither NTIA, ICANN, nor IANA is actually doing that job.
For more background see my prior notes at: Something's Happening But We Don't Know What It Is, Do We Mr. Jones?, Follow-up on my note: An Open Letter to NTIA, ICANN, and IANA, and An Open Letter to NTIA, ICANN, and IANA.
Posted by karl at October 27, 2004 11:24 AM