Understanding ICANN: Role and Historical Background

ICANN is a vital nonprofit organization overseeing internet domain name management and IP address allocations, ensuring global internet stability. Founded in 1998, it transitioned from US oversight to complete independence in 2016, playing a critical role in internet policy development today.

ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a nonprofit organization established on September 18, 1998. Its motto is "One world, one Internet." Led by President and CEO Goran Marby and Chairman Steve Crocker, ICANN is based in Los Angeles, California, specifically in the Playa Vista area. Its primary mission is to coordinate and oversee databases related to internet domain names and IP addresses, ensuring network stability and security.

Originally, Jon Postel managed the assignment of Internet Protocol identifiers through the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). As the internet expanded globally, the U.S. Commerce Department recognized the need for a dedicated organization. Consequently, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) proposed a plan to privatize internet name and address management, promoting competition and international involvement.

ICANN was created to fulfill this vision, with Esther Dyson as its first chairwoman. Its core role is policy development, carried out by three supporting organizations: the Address Supporting Organization, the Domain Name Supporting Organization, and the Protocol Supporting Organization. These groups develop policies within their scope to manage internet identifiers independently and financially. In 2006, ICANN signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which provided oversight. However, by 2016, ICANN achieved full independence from U.S. government control, culminating in its sovereignty transfer in October of that year.

Note: Our blog covers a wide range of topics, providing readers with useful insights. While we prioritize accuracy, please be aware that some information may vary across sources and should be verified independently.