ICANN

A nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the global system of unique identifiers that keeps the internet stable and interoperable. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Los Angeles, ICANN oversees the allocation and management of domain names, IP addresses, protocol parameter registries, and root servers that form the foundation of internet connectivity.

At its core, ICANN manages the Domain Name System (DNS), ensuring that every domain name (such as example.com) is correctly mapped to its corresponding IP address. This prevents conflicts and ensures that users worldwide can reliably access websites and online services. ICANN does not sell domain names directly; instead, it accredits registrars—companies that handle the retail side of domain registration.

ICANN also plays a central role in developing and enforcing policies for domain name management. These include rules around generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .org, and .net, as well as the introduction of new TLDs like .app or .shop. Additionally, ICANN coordinates with regional internet registries (RIRs) to allocate blocks of IP addresses globally.

A distinctive feature of ICANN is its multi-stakeholder governance model, which brings together governments, private companies, technical experts, civil society, and users to shape policy decisions. This open and collaborative approach has been critical in maintaining the decentralized and global nature of the internet.

While ICANN does not control internet content or provide direct internet access, its work underpins the trust and reliability of the online ecosystem. By ensuring that identifiers are unique and consistently applied, ICANN helps sustain the seamless global interconnection that defines the internet today.