ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

If you've read about domain names, then you've probably heard of ICANN (pronounced EYE-can). The initials stand for "Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers", and it was created in 1998 by Jon Postel (now deceased) in answer to a policy statement issued by the US Department of Commerce.

The purpose of ICANN is to oversee the IP numbering scheme, the protocol parameter assignment, the domain name system and the root server system of the internet. These services were previously performed by a group known as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

The problem is that ICANN has become a political organization with a very weak charter and senior managers with their own agendas. It would be a mistake for the US to take it over, but something needs to be done as no one is happy with this organization. ICANN needs to become truly international in scope and management, and it needs to address business, government, educational and consumer needs and requirements. Because ICANNs failure to act responsibly, silly ideas like new.net are taking hold, not because they are useful but because they get something (anything) done.