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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

The .com Cooperative Agreement: Ensuring Internet Stability and Security

November 29, 2024
At the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a key part of our mission is to protect and promote the public interest in the digital landscape. Today, we want to provide some context around the upcoming November 30 renewal of NTIA’s existing Cooperative Agreement with Verisign, the registry operator for the .com Top Level Domain and a key player in the Internet's infrastructure, especially given concerns about .com pricing.

Introduction of Accountable Measures Regarding Access to Personal Information of .us Registrants

May 01, 2023
Docket Number
230412–0099

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Commerce’s (Department) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) administers the contract for the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United States, ‘‘.us’’ (usTLD). NTIA seeks input from interested parties on the introduction of accountability measures regarding access to the personal information of usTLD registrants.

Topics
Domain Name System

NTIA, FDA Pilot Program to Curb Access to Illegal Opioids Online Delivers Promising Results

January 19, 2021

NTIA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have successfully concluded a “trusted notifier” pilot program to curb access to illegal online opioid sales by working with domain name registries. A trusted notifier is generally recognized by a registry or registrar for providing credible and accurate information about illegal or abusive website content to domain name registries and/or registrars.

The new working relationships created through the program led to nearly 30 domain names associated with websites that were offering misbranded and/or unapproved opioids for sale to U.S. consumers being rendered inaccessible via the Domain Name System. The pilot also yielded valuable insights into potential mechanisms to help in the fight against the opioid crisis.

The Department of Commerce and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in June announced the voluntary, 120-day pilot program, conducted in cooperation with three U.S. domain name registries: Verisign, Registry Services, LLC (formerly Neustar Registry Services), and Public Interest Registry.

During the pilot, which concluded in October, the FDA referred domain names for potential technical action to the registries, which administer the .com, .net, .us, .biz, and .org top level domains.

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