The modern internet originated as a minor medium of communication amongst US military agencies. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, the internet blossomed into communication device accessible to civilians over networks massive in both size and number. It evolved into more than a communication medium though, opening the door for new commercial markets, entertainment, as well as a way to consolidate all previous communication forms and information (Abbate 1). With its rapid expansion, the US government sought the creation of a central organization to manage an internet that is universally accessible and connected.

The eventual solution arrived with the creation of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN was originally established in 1998 as an organization structured around the terms established in accordance with the White and Green Papers. The two documents, released by the Department of Commerce under the direction of the Clinton Administration, outlined the principles, powers, responsibilities, and organization of ICANN (The Management of the Root). ICANN’s specific main responsibilities include distributing Internet Protocol (IP) address space, managing the Domain Name System (DNS), and organizing the generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system (ICANN Information). The corporation was to carry out its duties based on four principles: stability, competition, private-bottom-up coordination, and representation (A PRIMER ON ICANN).

While ICANN is a chartered US private corporation, it is in fact only semi-private. It has a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Department of Commerce which requires DOC approval on any major alterations of the DNS. Additionally, any changes are carried out by the Department of Commerce, and not by ICANN itself (A PRIMER ON ICANN). The US government retains a laissez-faire association with ICANN. Any action requiring the approval from the Department of Commerce has always been granted (A PRIMER ON ICANN). Despite minimal restriction and international representation, there has been a recent international outcry to move shift ICANN’s responsibilities to an international body, such as the United Nations. It is important, however, that the responsibilities of ICANN remain in US hands to both maintain stability and avoid international governmental influence.