U.S. warns of treaty snub over Internet rules

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The chief American delegate at a U.N. conference weighing possible Internet rules says the U.S. may snub the final document over proposals interpreted as giving governments greater oversight over the Web.

Ambassador Terry Kramer says references that governments have a right to control the Internet are unacceptable. He told delegates Thursday that the U.S. will not sign the final treaty unless revisions are made.

A Western bloc led by the U.S. has strongly resisted any U.N. telecoms rules on the Internet, fearing it could be used to justify further limits on cyberspace.

Rival countries, including Iran and China, apparently have the upper hand in efforts to get U.N. backing for government rights over Internet affairs.

The final document at the U.N.’s International Telecommunications Union will reach delegates Friday.