Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Mar 1, 2023, 12:54

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] is a private, non-profit organisation that manages the Internet Protocol (IP) address space, protocol parameter allocation, DNS management, and the root server system. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority previously managed these services (IANA).

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] Significance

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] is a non-profit organisation comprised of both public and commercial organisations that are responsible for the following responsibilities in relation to internet numerals and names -

  • The process of allocating IP address spaces
  • ICANN controls the allocation and distribution of IP version 4 and IP version 6 network addresses through five regional internet registry organisations
  • The system for managing top-level domain names. Accredited domain registrars manage the ICANN's DNS. The registrars have the authority to sell domain names
  • Allocation of protocol identification
  • Protocol IDs, which include reserved ports used by internet protocols as well as separate system numbers for global network routes, are maintained by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN].
  • Domain administration at the highest level. System administration for generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and top-level domains with country codes
  • The administration of the root name servers. The Internet Corporation manages the root name server system for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
  • These functions are critical for maintaining the Internet's integrity and ensuring that worldwide connection is maintained

ICANN Registration Fees

ICANN has the authority to charge webmasters the following three types of fees for domain registrations.

An annual accreditation fee is charged.

  • For all registrars, the price is $4000 per year
  • Fee is variable
  • This charge pays ICANN's shared costs of providing service to all registrars on a quarterly basis
  • Charges based on transactions
  • When a domain name is renewed, added, or transferred, the domain name registry gets $0.18 to pay ICANN

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Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] - Organisational Structure

Late Jonathan Postel, the former Director of IANA, chose the first members of the ICANN board.

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) was established under an agreement with US government authorities, who supported the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), from which the Internet sprang.

Accountability Model Used By Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN]

In accordance with its bylaws, ICANN evaluates how it uses public participation methods regularly. It must ensure that its actions are in line with and accountable to the online community's needs.

The ICANN Accountability and Transparency Review is a mechanism that ensures the responsible model is upheld through frequent reviews, monitoring, and process improvements.

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] recognises these three kinds of accountability -

  1. The sphere is under public control. ICANN demonstrates its accountability in a variety of ways
  2. Corporate and legal responsibility
  3. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] must meet its legal and contractual duties
  4. The community bears responsibility
  5. ICANN is required to be responsive to its users' requirements

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] has had to deal with contentious problems from its beginnings. Some detractors questioned whether such a vital role in global connectivity could be governed by government officials from the United States at the start of its existence when the US Department of Commerce supported ICANN.

However, it has been chastised in the years since it gained independence. Some have emphasised its global relevance, arguing that Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] must be transparent and accountable to the citizens it serves.

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FAQs on Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN]

Q1. What exactly does Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] do?

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] is working to protect the security and stability of the Internet by establishing fair and transparent policies and operating the system of domain names. Since ICANN assigns the IP addresses, it allocates them to organisations or individual users.

Q2. Is Google an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN]?

Google is an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] certified registry of seven top-level domain names, which include .com

Q3. Who controls the Domain Name System?

The US Department of Commerce has transferred the control of its DNS to a non-profit known as The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN], which has multiple stakeholders, including technical experts and representatives from business and government.

Q4. Does Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] own the Internet?

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers [ICANN] was already in charge of the registration of Internet addresses, but now it is officially the owner of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, also known as IANA, the database that holds the entirety of the Internet domain names.