The Department of E-Commerce within the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce yesterday announced the creation of an Internet Policy Advisory Board (PAB).

The move comes at a time of transition for the worldwide web, particularly involving domain naming systems and security.

Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce Minister Michael Scott said: "The Internet has evolved from a computer network with its foundations in the US, into a global communication medium.

"Bermuda, having one of the highest Internet and broadband penetrations in the world and with so much of its economy dependent upon all types of electronic communications, is particularly sensitive to any material changes that may occur."

While the Information Technology Office (ITO) is responsible for managing the .BM cc Top Level Domain (TLD) technical infrastructure and the Registry General is responsible for the day- to-day administrative functions, the Department of E-Commerce is responsible for developing and maintaining strategies and policies related to the .BM ccTLD.

Important changes coming include the introduction of version 6 of the Internet Protocol (IPv6), which will replace the IPv4 which has been in place since 1981 and which faces an issue of potential domain name exhaustion.

Also extensions are planned to the security specifications for the Domain Naming System (DNSSEC), which addresses Internet security and stability concerns caused by a proliferation of malicious activities.

The introduction of new top-level domains, includes Internationalised TLDs that will empower the entire world's population to use the Internet's domain name system in their native language.

"International organisations such as the EU, the International Telecommunication Union ("ITU") and others are paying close attention to these changes to the Internet's infrastructure and related issues, Mr. Scott added.

"It is important that this situation is monitored and that Bermuda is engaged because these changes can have a direct and material impact on the future of the Internet within Bermuda."

The Department of E-Commerce has already begun discussing the issue of IPv6 implementation with local Internet Service Providers, the Registrar General and the ITO.

Mr. Scott added: "As the international business sector in Bermuda relies heavily on the Internet to manage global operations, it is therefore of utmost interest to assure the business community that both the .BM domain is robust and secure and that the telecommunications infrastructure is evolving to keep up with the changing technical standards.

"The PAB will help to provide recommendations and advice in connection with certain policy matters related to the .BM domain and will also be tasked with producing an annual report of its activities, thus ensuring the openness, transparency and inclusiveness of its operations to the Bermuda Internet community, in accordance with best in class practices employed by other ccTLD managers.

"Committee members will be named in the coming weeks, once the terms of reference for the group are finalised."