“The issue, which has garnered attention from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Attorney General Ken Paxton, concerns fears that the federal government’s decision to let a contract with the non-profit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers expire could jeopardize government websites. ICANN manages the internet domain naming system, which is what allows users to locate websites. (Houston Chronicle).

“The contract expires at midnight Friday.

“The court heard oral arguments Friday afternoon on the eleventh-hour lawsuit filed by late Wednesday.

“During the hearing, Hanks said he was concerned whether his court has jurisdiction over the matter, and whether there was enough evidence of negative consequences that would result from the ending contract.

“Attorneys representing Texas argued there is no getting control and oversight on the internet address book once the contract ends.

Lawyers representing the federal government contend the plaintiffs have “not one scintilla of evidence” something adverse would happen to the governments’ websites.

“Earlier this year, the Obama administration decided to allow the contract to expire and let ICANN become fully independent. Cruz attempted to include language blocking the move in the stopgap funding bill Congress approved Wednesday, but that language was stripped out before the measure was passed.

“Cruz and Paxton had argued that removing federal oversight of ICANN would give authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and Iran the ability to interfere with “what should be a free and open internet.”

“We’re disappointed with the ruling,” Paxton spokesman Marc Rylander said. “It’s a dire day in our country when the president is allowed to unilaterally give away America’s pioneering role in ensuring that the internet remains a place where free expression can flourish. We will continue to weigh our options as the suit moves forward.”