Who Controls Domain Names
by Paul Flyer
There are several layers involved in the control and ownership of domain names.
The topmost level is ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
From their own site:
ICANN is 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. Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet’s operation, so ICANN’s global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet’s ongoing security and stability.
ICANN is essentially responsible for the DNS (Domain Name System). The Domain Name System’s job is to resolve domain names to IP addresses. For more information how the DNS works visit How the DNS Runs.
While they do not have any control over domain name registration, the ISOC (Internet Society) is the organization that oversees the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This task force oversees Internet standards. Any work in the future to further develop the Internet and its protocols will have an affect on domain names as well. So if you want to really pay attention to efforts in this area, you should pay attention to all three organizations.
For more information on the practicalities of choosing, registering and managing domain names, download my Domain Name Handbook.
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