What is ICANN and What Do They Do?

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The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, often called ICANN, is a not-for-profit organization that keeps the Internet safe and stable. It makes critical decisions on domain names, IP addresses, and other vital aspects of Internet infrastructure. The main aim behind creating this organization was to establish a central authority to enforce Internet domain rules, regulations, and policies on all Internet entities.

Whether you are running a blog, a website, or an e-commerce store, understanding ICANN is essential. In this article, we will look at what ICANN is and what they do.

What is ICANN?

ICANN is a nonprofit organization tasked to run administrative duties associated with running the Internet. ICANN’s functions include:

Overseeing the Top-Level Domains (TLD) like ‘.com’, ‘.org’, ‘.in’, and others.

Registering and maintaining the directory of domain (e.g., www.BigRock.in) used in the Internet Protocol (IP).

Resolving trademark disputes over domain names.

Collaborating with Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) to allocate global IP addresses effectively to prevent duplication and proper management.

Coordinating with domain registrars to regulate domain name assignments.

Purpose of ICANN and Why it Is Important

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers manages the Internet infrastructure system that helps users access websites on the Internet. It controls the Domain Name System (DNS) by ensuring that it translates into a numerical IP address that computers can locate on the Internet whenever you type a web address in your browser. This process ensures seamless functioning of the web.

Additionally, ICANN delegates TLDs and gTLDs via domain registrars like BigRock to individuals and businesses. ICANN coordinates with domain registrars to regulate the domain registration process. Domain registrars offer these domain extensions at a specific price to the end-user.

Moreover, ICANN assigns protocol identifiers like reserved port numbers. Protocol identifiers are addresses that devices use to send and receive data on the Internet. It ensures that the correct information reaches the right place across the Internet.

ICANN also manages the root domain name server system, which ensures that when you type a web address into your browser, you are redirected to the right website. By maintaining this system, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers keeps the Internet organized and ensures users can reach websites quickly and reliably. These efforts made by ICANN ensure that the Internet operates globally without interruptions.

How Does ICANN Work?

ICANN consists of several groups, each contributing to any final decision that the organization makes. There are supporting organizations that deal with everything related to IP addresses, domain names, and country code top-level domains. Additionally, advisory committees like government and international treaty companies, root server operators, average internet users, and technical liaison groups (works with organizations that devise basic Internet protocol) that

provide ICANN with advice and recommendations.

Although these groups play an active role in decision-making, the board of directors generally make the final decision. The board comprises 21 members, of which 15 have voting rights and 6 are non-voting liaisons. The nominating committee chooses these board members.

Understanding how decisions are taken within ICANN

Any issues or changes required to the existing network are typically raised with one of the supporting organizations, followed by a report to the advisory committee, which is then put on public review. If the suggested changes impact any other group with the ICCAN’s structure, the group reviews the changes and shares its perspective. This (report and review of the affected group from the change) is then presented to the ICANN board. The board discusses the matter, it either approves or rejects the changes. It can also send the issue back to one of the supporting organizations for review, asking for an explanation of the problems that need to be resolved before they can be approved. This process continues till the time different parts of the ICANN agree to the board’s decision.

Understanding ICANN’s accountability

ICANN has internal and external accountabilities. Externally, ICANN has to abide by U.S. laws, and internally, it’s accountable to the community, the board of members, and the nominating committee (an independent body that selects a majority of voting board members). Any internal dispute is resolved based on ICANN’s accountability and transparency frameworks and principles, which are available online for public view.

ICANN’s Key Milestones

Here are some of the key events of ICANN:

1983: Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) was founded by Jon Postel. It works in collaboration with ICANN for the efficient operation of the Internet.

2000-2017: gTLD (generic top-level domain) expansions introduce over 1,200 domains.

2016: ICANN ends its U.S. government contract, adopting a multistakeholder governance model.

Criticism of ICANN

Since its inception, ICANN has faced significant debates and scrutiny. Issues include deciding on new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and whether alternative root server systems should be allowed. ICANN operated under the U.S. Department of Commerce in its early years, sparking concerns about one nation’s control over a function critical to global internet connectivity. However, with it gaining independence (in 2016), critics are now highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability. ICANN continues to evolve amid these challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ICANN plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Internet. It manages DNS, assignment of IP addresses, etc.

If you are trying to get your website online, you will need to register a domain name through an ICANN-accredited domain registrar like BigRock. Registering your domain through recognized domain registrars helps maintain the Internet’s stability and reliability.

Still confused? Refer to our FAQs for more clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on ICANN

1. What power does ICANN have?

ICANN controls the internet infrastructure system. It ensures the right IP addresses are assigned to domains, takes care of the domain registration system, etc., making accessing websites easier for internet users.