ICANN

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology held consultations with various stakeholders with a view to preserve the character of the Internet as a unified, dynamic engine for innovation and to encourage equity and inclusion.

The Ministry has clarified that India is in favour of a multi-stakeholder model for Internet Governance Mechanisms.

During the meeting, the stakeholders discussed issues for enhancing the accountability of the Internet Corporation Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Many stakeholders appreciated the transition of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to the Global Multi-stakeholder Community as a positive development.

The meeting concluded with a call to all stakeholders to participate actively in all global processes keeping in mind the perspectives of the Indian communities.

ICANN is the global body that oversees operation and administration of the Internet domain name system.

ICANN was formed in 1998.

It is a not-for-profit partnership of people from all over the world dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet’s unique identifiers.

ICANN doesn’t control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn’t deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet’s naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution of the Internet.

It is responsible for coordinating the maintenance and methodologies of several databases, with unique identifiers, related to the namespaces of the Internet – and thereby, ensuring the network’s stable and secure operation.

ICANN is governed by an internationally diverse Board of Directors overseeing the policy development process. ICANN’s President directs an international staff, working from three continents, who ensure that ICANN meets its operational commitment to the Internet community.