Key Issues
The Domain Name System
DNS Transition to the Private Sector
ICANN is a non-profit corporation whose authority over the technical coordination and management of the DNS derives from its agreement with the United States Department of Commerce (USDoC). While the US government has maintained a "light hand" approach, the potential for the DoC to play a role in decisions about the root remains a concern for many stakeholders.
DNS transition to private sector: Concepts and questions
What is ISOC's position on DNS transition?
ISOC has always promoted the self-regulation model of the Internet, and supports ICANN and the role it plays in coordinating certain aspects of the "collaborative" Internet management model. In ISOC's view, the success of the Internet lies in the fact that it is a "network of networks" characterized by distributed management and a minimum of regulation with operational and governance mechanisms, implemented as locally as possible using bottom-up community based processes, built on publicly developed principles.
More detail of ISOC's views on the agreement between ICANN and the USDoC is available in the following press releases and statements:
- ISOC's response to the NTIA on "The Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet's Domain Name and Addressing System: Midterm Review of the Joint Project Agreement" (PDF: 64KB)
- ICANN agreement paves way for DNS transition
- ISOC calls for greater autonomy for key Internet organization
- ISOC's response to the NTIA's request for comments (PDF: 28KB)
Public Meeting at the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on 26 July 2006
On 26 July, 2006, NTIA held a public meeting to discuss issues associated with continuing the transition of the technical coordination and management of the Internet domain name and addressing system (Internet DNS) to the private sector:
- ISOC statement (PDF: 30KB)
- Position de l’ISOC (French)
- NTIA hearing/webcast
Press coverage
DNS Transition to the Private Sector has been the subject of many articles in the international press. The following selection gives a good overview of the issues:
- Computerworld: Experts weigh giving ICANN full control of
- Kierenmccarthy.co.uk: What ISOC and Canada said to the US government
- Kierenmccarthy.co.uk: What was said at the NTIA and what is news?
- Toptechnews: U.S. Mulls Internet Domains' Future at New Hearing
- Computerworld: Experts weigh prospect of full DNS control by ICANN
- PC Advisor: ICANN to be given full control of DNS?
- New York Times: Overseer of Domain Names Renews Contract
