The group that oversees web addresses has approved controversial changes to the way it elects members to its board of directors.
The steps are part of an overhaul meant to improve the efficiency of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
But critics have complained the changes could make the group indifferent to ordinary users and hurt innovation.
The changes were approved by a 15-3 vote of the ICANN board during a conference on in Shanghai.
Chief executive Mr Stuart Lynn defended the move by saying the changes would make ICANN "a much more efficient and effective organisation that will get things done better and faster and be more plugged-in to the community than we are now".
He said the group's former method of electing five of the 18 board members over the Internet bogged ICANN down in debates that held up its main work.
Under the new system, the board will be picked by a nominating committee and a trio of affiliated organisations representing groups of address holders. The changes take effect in December.
Critics have alleged the revisions are aimed at getting rid of dissenting board members who say the group is out of touch with internet users.