The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

ICANN exists to provide top-level coordination and management of key naming, addressing, and protocol systems for the Internet. These systems -- the Domain Name System, for example -- require some degree of centralized technical administration in order to function properly. At the same time, authority over these critical systems necessitates not just technical competence, but also credibility in the global policy arena.

As a result, while a large part of ICANN's work is affected by the standards-development activities of the IETF, W3C, and other organizations, ICANN is a different organization from any of these. The policy implications of its decisions have led it to a substantially different structure and mission -- and reflecting a greater need for broad participation in policy development -- than most standards-setting bodies. They have also subjected ICANN to frequent criticism from the global Internet community, concerned with the legitimacy of its policy-making authority.

To date, CDT's activities regarding ICANN have focused laregly on its processes for decision making. We have raised serious questions about ICANN's legitimacy, particularly stemming from its mission, its transparency, and its accountability.

More information about ICANN and about the policy implications of domain names management is available on CDT's DNS page. (http://www.cdt.org/dns/)

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