Domain names have become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of websites being accessed through their unique domain names. From large corporations to small businesses, everyone relies on domain names to establish an online presence. But who controls domain names and how are they managed? In this article, we will explore the answers to these questions.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the organization responsible for managing and coordinating domain names and IP addresses worldwide. ICANN is a non-profit organization that was created in 1998 to take over the functions previously performed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
ICANN oversees the management of the Domain Name System (DNS), which is the system that translates domain names into IP addresses. This process enables users to access websites by typing a domain name into their web browser instead of having to remember the IP address associated with the site.
ICANN works with domain name registrars, who are companies that sell and manage domain names on behalf of their customers. These registrars must follow ICANN’s policies and guidelines to ensure that domain names are registered correctly and managed properly.
When someone wants to register a domain name, they must go through a registrar, who will check if the domain name is available and then register it on behalf of the customer. The registrar will also manage the domain name, ensuring that it is renewed before it expires and that the contact information associated with the domain is accurate.
ICANN has created policies to ensure that domain names are registered fairly and that disputes are resolved fairly. For example, ICANN’s Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) provides a way for trademark holders to resolve disputes over domain names that infringe on their intellectual property rights.
In addition to managing the DNS and working with domain name registrars, ICANN also oversees the allocation of IP addresses to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other organizations that need them.
In conclusion, ICANN is the organization responsible for managing and coordinating domain names and IP addresses worldwide. ICANN works with domain name registrars to ensure that domain names are registered correctly and managed properly. ICANN has created policies to ensure that domain names are registered fairly and that disputes are resolved fairly. The next time you type in a domain name, you can be confident that ICANN is working behind the scenes to ensure that everything is working smoothly.