What Is ICANN?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for managing and coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure every address is unique and all users of the Internet can find all valid addresses by overseeing the distribution of unique IP addresses and domain names. It also ensures that each domain name maps to the correct IP address.
ICANN is also responsible for the global coordination of the Internet’s system of unique identifiers. These include domain names like .org, .museum and country codes like .UK, as well as the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols. Computers use these identifiers to reach each other over the Internet.
ICANN is also responsible for accrediting the domain name registrars. Accredit means to identify and set minimum standards for the performance of registration functions, to recognize persons or entities meeting those standards, and to enter into an accreditation agreement that sets forth the rules and procedures applicable to the provision of Registrar Services.
ICANN holds periodic public meetings rotated between continents for the expressed purpose of encouraging global participation in its processes. Critics argue that the locations of these meetings are often in countries with lower Internet usage and far away from locations that the majority of the Internet-using public can afford to reach, thus making public input or participation from traditional Internet users less likely.
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