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
Remarks by Assistant Secretary Strickling at the Computer and Communications Industry Association Washington Caucus
Remarks by Lawrence E. Strickling
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
Computer and Communications Industry Association
Washington Caucus
Washington, DC
April 9, 2014
--As prepared for delivery--
Myths and Facts on NTIA Announcement on Intent to Transition Key Internet Domain Name Functions
Myth:
The United States Government controls the Internet through the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions contract.
Fact:
There is no one party – government or industry, including the United States Government – that controls the Internet. The Internet is a decentralized network of networks.
Promoting Internet Growth and Innovation Through Multistakeholder Internet Governance
This past Friday, NTIA asked the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to convene global stakeholders to develop a proposal to transition the U.S. government’s stewardship of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). This marks a major milestone toward the final phase of the privatization of the DNS, which was first outlined by the U.S. Government in 1997.
We believe the timing is right for this transition, and a broad group of stakeholders – both domestically and internationally – have expressed their support and cooperation in this process.
Cisco commended NTIA for outlining a “powerful process for the move towards full privatization and globalization of DNS management.” Microsoft said it “relies on the stability, resilience and security of the DNS system to enable our cloud services – and we are confident that now is the right time to complete this transition.” Other industry giants like AT&T, Verizon, and Google, similarly issued statements in support of our announcement.