Domain Name System
The Internet Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical component of the Internet infrastructure. The DNS associates user-friendly domain names (e.g., www.ntia.doc.gov) with the numeric network addresses (e.g., 170.110.225.155) required to deliver information on the Internet, making the Internet easier for the public to navigate.
NTIA is the Executive Branch expert on issues relating to the DNS and supports a multi-stakeholder approach to the coordination of the DNS to ensure the long-term viability of the Internet as a force for innovation and economic growth.
Related content
Stakeholders Continue Historic Work on Internet DNS Transition at ICANN Singapore Meeting
Last week, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) held its 52nd meeting in Singapore, where the global multistakeholder community continued progress on a proposal to transition the United States role related to the Internet Domain Name System.
I was pleased to see the amount of energy and professionalism exhibited by the nearly 1800 participants at the ICANN meeting. The Internet’s stakeholders are driving this transition and are demonstrating that businesses, technical experts, and civil society groups are best equipped to set the future direction of the Internet. Under this multistakeholder model, no one party can control the Internet or impose its will. And that’s what’s enabled the Internet to flourish and evolve into this global medium that has torn down barriers to free speech and fueled economic growth and innovation.
It is so important that we get this transition right. If it doesn’t take place, we will embolden authoritarian regimes to seek greater government control of the Internet or to threaten to fragment the Internet, which would result in a global patchwork of regulations and rules that stifle the free flow of information.
First Quarterly Report on the Transition of the Stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions
The attached report provides background on the Internet domain name system (DNS) and NTIA’s role, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, NTIA’s call for a transition proposal, status of the multi-stakeholder community’s efforts in response, and next steps. The report covers activities through January 31, 2015. NTIA will update this report on a quarterly basis.
Remarks by Assistant Secretary Strickling at the State of the Net Conference 1/27/2015
Remarks by Lawrence E. Strickling
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
State of the Net Conference
Washington, DC
January 27, 2015
—As prepared for delivery—