If the old adage is true that what stands behind every good man is a woman, what stands behind every powerful organization? A committee. Almost all organizations that direct everything from software to soda pop, have an advisory or oversight committee behind them creating regulations, monitoring conduct, and making sure all the rules are followed. When reviewing registry domain names, there is a committee standing behind that process to make sure things happen in a fair and safe manner. That committee's name is ICANN

What is it?

ICANN stands for the Internet Cooperation for Assigned Names and Numbers. It is a nonprofit organization charged by the United States government to work with governments around the world and manage the domain name system or DNS that ensures every address of a web site is unique and functioning properly. Each domain name has underneath that a series of numbers assigned which locates that particular spot on the Internet. Because memorizing long series of numbers is neither easy nor fun, the system was created to place names attached to those numbers which we can remember and use with frequency and efficiency. ICANN makes sure those names and numbers match up with valid addresses to ensure the Internet is working properly.

What does it do?

ICANN not only monitors individual domain names and registrars, but also monitors domain name agencies. These groups take care of most of the space on the Internet and register names and extensions for them. ICANN sets accreditation standards that the agencies must meet and checks up on their information and accreditation programs. They also make sure these agencies have filed the appropriate credentials from each registrar to maintain a proper extension. ICANN also works across different governments with various requirements regarding what should be available or usable for domain names on the web. ICANN has collected a list of words considered obscenities and blocked them from Internet use as domain names. ICANN tracks site registants and keeps a consistent eye on the flow of questionable domain names through its tracking systems.

What doesn't it do?

Although it is the official monitor of the Internet. ICANN does have limitations to its power. ICANN monitors and reports but has no punitive value. ICANN does report violations to agencies which regulate and investigate any kind of fraud. ICANN does not take reports of Internet gambling, spam, or inappropriate access or hacking, All of that is done by agencies that ICANN refers to. ICANN makes no court appearances in regard to copyrights or domain name registration disputes, leaving that to other agencies and the domain name registrars. ICANN does not look for content on the web that does not meetin international laws and stardards. However it does provide access to IP addresses and records of website registrants. ICANN is a valuable resource for information in the continuing efforts of world governments to combat cyber-crime.

You can run a business your whole life and never hear of ICANN. Yet, they provide a valuable service to the Internet, making the domain names safe, accessible and accredited.