Understanding ICANN's Role in Governing the Internet
Learn about ICANN's crucial role in managing the internet, including its responsibilities, governance structure, and efforts to involve the global community in shaping web policies. Discover the controversies and transparency efforts that define ICANN's leadership in ensuring a secure, stable, and equitable Internet for all users.
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Since the inception of the World Wide Web, the United States Government’s Department of Commerce has historically overseen Internet management. However, for many years now, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has been the primary authority governing the global Internet. Founded on September 18, 1998, by the Internet Assigned Names Authority (IANA) and Network Solutions Inc., ICANN was created to transfer control from the U.S. government. In 1998, ICANN was entrusted by the Department of Commerce to oversee internet functions.
ICANN's Responsibilities
ICANN is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining a secure, reliable, and stable Internet. Its primary role is managing the Domain Name System (DNS), which ensures that website URLs connect to the correct servers. Additionally, ICANN oversees the allocation of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. Its governance is led by a 19-member volunteer Board of Directors representing different countries worldwide.
Controversies Surrounding ICANN
Since taking over Internet governance in 1998, ICANN's control has sparked debate, mainly due to perceived U.S. influence. A notable example is the decision regarding the '.xxx' domain, viewed by many as heavily influenced by the U.S. government. ICANN denies this, asserting it has never been controlled by any nation and asserts that no country will have undue influence over its decisions.
What Does ICANN Do?
ICANN believes that Internet users should have a voice in how the web is managed. It gathers input from global stakeholders and considers opinions based on their merits. The organization hosts annual international meetings that are open to the public, enabling anyone to participate and share their views on ICANN policies and Internet-related issues. These interactions foster a collaborative approach to improving Internet governance worldwide.
