Number: 97-868
Title: Internet Domain Names: Background and Policy Issues
Authors: Lennard G. Kruger, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: To navigate the Internet requires using addresses (and corresponding names) that identify the location of individual computers. As the Internet grew, the method for allocating and designating those domain names became controversial. The Administration issued a White Paper in June 1998 endorsing the creation of a new notfor- profit corporation of private sector Internet stakeholders to administer policy for the Internet name and address system. On November 25, 1998, the Department of Commerce (DOC) formally approved a new corporation, called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). A Joint Project Agreement between ICANN and DOC extends through September 2009. The 110th Congress maintains oversight on how the Department of Commerce manages and oversees ICANN's activities and policies.
Pages: 6
Date: March 19, 2008