Who Is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers?

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit organization established in 1998 in the United States with the mission to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. Anytime you register a domain on the Internet, you go through a domain name registrar, who pays a small fee to ICANN to register your domain as part of the domain registration process.

ICANN's Role in Domain Name System (DNS)

The DNS is a critical system that translates human-readable domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses (a series of numbers) that computers use to identify each other on the Internet. ICANN does not control content but regulates and coordinates the assignment of domain names and IP addresses to ensure uniqueness and smooth operation of the Internet. Domain registrars pay fees to ICANN for registering domains, supporting ICANN's operational costs./p>

Domain Name Structure and Transaction Fee

A domain name consists of two parts: the name (e.g., "example") and the top-level domain (TLD) like .com, .org, or .net. ICANN oversees TLD registries, ensuring fair competition among registrars and maintaining the integrity of the domain name system. When domain names are registered through Bluehost, the Registrant also known as the person who is registering the domain is charged the cost of the TLD (cost vary based on the type of TLD) and a $.18 ICANN Fee. This ICANN fee is charged for each domain registration, renewal, or domain transfer.

ICANN's Role in IP Address Distribution

ICANN plays an administrative role in coordinating the distribution of IP addresses globally. It collaborates with regional Internet registries (RIRs) to ensure that IP address allocations are managed efficiently without duplication..

Root Servers and ICANN

There are thirteen root servers globally, each with a unique IP address, distributed across various locations. These servers store a common file serving as the main index of the Internet's address books. Each top-level domain has its address listed in these servers. While root servers are infrequently consulted once addresses are known, they periodically verify them. Despite their importance in maintaining Internet functionality, root server operators largely operate autonomously but collaborate to ensure compliance with ICANN and Internet changes.

ICANN's Structure

ICANN comprises various groups representing different sections of the Internet, contributing to its decisions. Supporting organizations cover IP addresses, domain names, and country code top-level domains. Additionally, four advisory committees provide advice, representing government bodies, root server operators, Internet privacy/security, and the at-large community. A technical liaison group facilitates basic Internet protocol development. ICANN's final decisions rest with its 21-member Board of Directors, with 15 voting members nominated by supporting organizations and eight by an independent nominating committee. The President and CEO oversee ICANN's global staff, which collaborates with supporting organizations and advisory committees worldwide.

Decision-Making Process

Supporting organizations propose changes or raise concerns within the ICANN network. Following discussion, a report is prepared for public review. If the proposed changes affect another ICANN group, that group is given the opportunity to review and provide feedback, which is also made public. These reviews are compiled into a single report presented to the ICANN Board of Directors, along with recommendations based on the feedback received. The Board reviews the report and may approve, deny, or modify the changes. If necessary, the issue is returned to the relevant supporting organization for further refinement. This iterative process continues until consensus is reached among all involved groups and the Board of Directors, or a final decision on the report is reached.

Accountability

ICANN faces both external and internal accountabilities. Externally, as a California-based organization, it must adhere to U.S. law and can be subject to legal action in U.S. courts. As a public non-profit, ICANN and its directors are legally accountable under corporate law. Internally, ICANN enforces accountability through its bylaws, global Board representation, an independent nominating advisory committee, elected senior staff, and dispute resolution mechanisms like the Board reconsideration committee, and independent review panel.

ICANN's Role in an Open Internet

ICANN's multi-stakeholder model ensures that the Internet remains open and accessible globally. While ICANN does not regulate online content, it fosters transparency and fairness in managing critical Internet resources..

Summary

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 to safeguard the Internet's security, stability, and unified global internet. It oversees the Domain Name System (DNS) and global IP address distribution, ensuring smooth operation and fairness among domain registrars. A significant portion of its efforts has revolved around the global Domain Name System (DNS) of the Internet. This includes activities such as policy development for the internationalization of the DNS, the introduction of new generic top-level domains (TLDs), and the operation of root name servers. ICANN's core operational principles are aimed at preserving the operational stability of the Internet, fostering competition, ensuring broad representation of the global Internet community, and developing policies aligned with its mission through bottom-up, consensus-based processes. The organization has frequently adopted the motto "One World. One Internet.".