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
Sixth Quarterly Report on the Transition of the Stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Functions
NTIA provides quarterly reports on all aspects of the proposed transition of the U.S. government’s stewardship role over the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions. NTIA’s previous reports and detailed background can be found here. This report covers activities from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016. As required by Public Law 114-113, NTIA will continue to update this report on a quarterly basis.
Remarks of Assistant Secretary Strickling at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation 03/17/2016
Remarks of Lawrence E. Strickling
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Washington, D.C.
March 17, 2016
--As prepared for delivery--
Reviewing the IANA Transition Proposal
Over the past two decades, the Internet has touched the lives of billions of people around the globe in profound ways. It has fueled economic growth, giving even the most remote villages the opportunity to sell their products in faraway lands. It has fueled innovation, connecting mobile gadgets and household appliances. And it has torn down barriers to speech, enabling diverse viewpoints to be heard across the political spectrum.
The Obama Administration is committed to doing everything within our power to preserve and protect the open, free-flowing global Internet, which has revolutionized the world. That’s why two years ago, we announced our intention to transition the U.S. government’s stewardship role of the Internet Domain Name System to the global multistakeholder community.
Since our announcement, the Internet community – made up of businesses, technical experts, academics and civil society – has risen to the challenge by developing a transition plan that has achieved broad community support. The community delivered that proposal to NTIA yesterday, marking the culmination of the largest multistakeholder process ever undertaken. Stakeholders spent more than 26,000 working hours on the proposal, exchanged more than 33,000 messages on mailing lists, and held more than 600 meetings and calls.