THE ROLE OF ICANN IN INTERNET GOVERNANCE

AUTHOR – ASHUTOSH KUMAR PANDEY* & DR AISHWARYA PANDEY**

* STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, LUCKNOW

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, LUCKNOW

BEST CITATION – ASHUTOSH KUMAR PANDEY & DR AISHWARYA PANDEY, THE ROLE OF ICANN IN INTERNET GOVERNANCE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (7) OF 2025, PG. 712-718, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

This article examines how ICANN has shaped global internet governance. ICANN manages the Domain Name System (DNS), IP address distribution, and network infrastructure integrity, making it a vital part of the internet. After introducing internet governance’s primary players and offering an overview, the article details ICANN’s organisation and goal. ICANN manages domain names and the internet’s unique identifier schemes to keep the internet safe. The article discusses ICANN’s principal functions—managing domain name systems (DNS), introducing top-level domains (TLDs), and administering root zones—and its cooperation with Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). The study also examines ICANN’s multi-stakeholder model, which includes technical communities, businesses, civil society, and government. We also discuss the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), which provides government input on ICANN decisions. International issues include IANA transition disagreements, trademark difficulties with new gTLDs, and ICANN’s ownership of vital internet services. The article discusses ICANN’s legal power, cybersecurity, DNS misuse, and transparency. In conclusion, the paper discusses ICANN’s efforts to promote digital inclusivity and universal access and its possible role in internet governance in light of 5G and the IoT.

Keywords: ICANN, internet governance, DNS management, top-level domains, IP address allocation, multi-stakeholder model, cybersecurity, internet fragmentation, digital inclusion, root zone management.