“When I took office, only high energy physicists had ever heard of what is called the Worldwide Web… Now even my cat has its own page.“ This quotation by Bill Clinton from 1996 describes exactly the evolution of the Internet. Only a few years ago, hardly no one of us had any idea what the Internet really was, what it would be good for, or how we might use it.
Today most of us could not even live without it just for one day. We permanently use the Internet for so many purposes. News, entertainment, communication, file sharing, shopping, education and many more things like these. Nowadays the Internet is also a basic element for various sectors which totally depend on it, such as telecommunication, the economy or infrastructure. But how does this highly complicated system actually work? And how is it possible that each web site can be reached any time by everyone worldwide?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The history of ICANN
- Organization and structure
- Organizational bodies
- Accountability
- Decision-making process
- The tasks of ICANN
- Domain Name System
- Accrediting registrars
- Root System
- Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy
- Universal resolvability
- Criticism & problems
- New top-level domain system
- Consensus model
- Grace period
- Contract with the U.S. government
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explain the organization and governance of the Internet, focusing primarily on the role of ICANN. It explores the history of ICANN, its organizational structure, its key responsibilities in managing the Domain Name System (DNS), and the criticisms it faces.
- The historical development of ICANN and its role in managing the DNS.
- The organizational structure and decision-making processes within ICANN.
- ICANN's key responsibilities, including domain name allocation and dispute resolution.
- Criticisms and challenges faced by ICANN in its governance of the Internet.
- The evolving relationship between ICANN and the U.S. government.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the dramatic growth and ubiquitous nature of the internet, emphasizing its integration into nearly every aspect of modern life. It poses the fundamental question of how this complex system functions and how global accessibility is maintained, thereby establishing the need for a deeper understanding of internet governance, a topic the subsequent chapters will explore in detail. The quote from Bill Clinton serves as a powerful illustration of the internet's rapid expansion and its profound impact on society.
The history of ICANN: This chapter traces the evolution of ICANN, beginning with the early days of the internet when the National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. government contractors managed the Domain Name System (DNS). It describes the transition from the NSF's contract with Network Solutions, highlighting concerns about Network Solution's monopoly and the growing international anxieties regarding U.S. control over the root system. The chapter details the creation of ICANN in 1998 as a private, non-profit corporation aimed at improving the technical management and international governance of the DNS, marking a pivotal moment in cyberspace governance. The chapter also highlights key decisions made by ICANN, including the introduction of the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) and the expansion of top-level domains.
Organization and Structure: This chapter delves into the organizational structure of ICANN, presenting a detailed overview of its various bodies, including the Board of Directors, advisory committees, and supporting organizations. The chapter explains the roles and responsibilities of these different entities, emphasizing the collaborative and multi-stakeholder nature of ICANN's governance. It clarifies the decision-making processes within ICANN and explains how its staff facilitates coordination and implementation of decisions made by the supporting organizations, creating a comprehensive picture of the organization's internal workings.
The tasks of ICANN: This chapter outlines ICANN's core responsibilities in managing the Domain Name System (DNS). It explains the critical role of the DNS in ensuring that every internet address is unique, facilitating global internet connectivity. The chapter explores specific tasks undertaken by ICANN, including accrediting registrars, maintaining the root system, overseeing the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), and striving for universal resolvability. This comprehensive overview showcases the breadth and importance of ICANN’s functions in maintaining a stable and functioning internet.
Criticism & problems: This chapter addresses criticisms leveled against ICANN, exploring controversies surrounding the new top-level domain system, the effectiveness of its consensus model, concerns about grace periods, and the nature of its contract with the U.S. government. It provides a balanced view, presenting challenges and potential weaknesses within the organization's structure and operations. The discussion highlights the ongoing debates and complexities inherent in governing the global internet.
Keywords
ICANN, Internet governance, Domain Name System (DNS), root system, top-level domains (TLDs), Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), internet regulation, global internet, multi-stakeholder governance, accountability, criticism of ICANN.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to ICANN
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), its history, structure, functions, and the criticisms it faces. It serves as a language preview, including a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents covers the following sections: Introduction, The History of ICANN, Organization and Structure (including organizational bodies, accountability, and decision-making processes), The Tasks of ICANN (including the Domain Name System, accrediting registrars, the root system, UDRP, and universal resolvability), and Criticism & Problems (including the new top-level domain system, consensus model, grace period, and the contract with the U.S. government).
What are the main objectives and key themes explored?
The main objectives are to explain ICANN's organization and governance of the internet, focusing on its history, structure, responsibilities in managing the DNS, and the criticisms it faces. Key themes include the historical development of ICANN and its role in managing the DNS; ICANN's organizational structure and decision-making processes; ICANN's key responsibilities, including domain name allocation and dispute resolution; criticisms and challenges faced by ICANN; and the evolving relationship between ICANN and the U.S. government.
What does the chapter on "The History of ICANN" cover?
This chapter traces ICANN's evolution from the early days of the internet when the NSF and U.S. government managed the DNS, through the transition from Network Solutions's monopoly, to the creation of ICANN in 1998 as a private, non-profit corporation. It also highlights key decisions such as the introduction of UDRP and the expansion of top-level domains.
What is explained in the chapter on "Organization and Structure"?
This chapter details ICANN's organizational structure, outlining its various bodies (Board of Directors, advisory committees, supporting organizations), their roles and responsibilities, and its collaborative, multi-stakeholder governance model. It explains ICANN's decision-making processes and how its staff facilitates coordination and implementation.
What are ICANN's core tasks, as described in the document?
ICANN's core responsibilities include managing the DNS, ensuring unique internet addresses, accrediting registrars, maintaining the root system, overseeing the UDRP, and striving for universal resolvability. These tasks are crucial for maintaining a stable and functioning internet.
What criticisms and problems regarding ICANN are discussed?
The document addresses criticisms surrounding the new top-level domain system, the effectiveness of its consensus model, concerns about grace periods, and the nature of its contract with the U.S. government. It presents challenges and potential weaknesses in ICANN's structure and operations.
What are the key terms associated with this document?
Key terms include: ICANN, Internet governance, Domain Name System (DNS), root system, top-level domains (TLDs), Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), internet regulation, global internet, multi-stakeholder governance, accountability, and criticism of ICANN.
- Quote paper
- Ludwig Bäßler (Author), 2009, ICANN. The Organization and Governance of the Internet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/175685
