The Domain Name System (DNS) is the distrib. set of databases residing in computers around the world that contain address numbers mapped to corresponding domain names, making it possible to send and receive messages and to access info. from computers anywhere on the Internet. The DNS is managed and operated by a not-for-profit public benefit corp. called the Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Contents of this report: Background and History; ICANN Basics: ICANN¿s Relationship with the U.S. Gov¿t.; Affirmation of Commitments; DOC Agree. with IANA and VeriSign; ICANN and the Internat. Community; Adding New Generic Top Level Domains; ICANN and Cybersecurity; Privacy and the WHOIS Database. Illus.

This topical book examines the regulatory framework for introducing generic Top-Level Domains on the Internet. Drawn up by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), these rules form part of a growing body of transnational private regulation, complementing national and international law. The book elucidates and discusses how ICANN has tackled a diverse set of economic and regulatory issues, including competition, consumer protection, property rights, procedural fairness, and the resolution of disputes.

This book evaluates the behaviour of domain names within the rule of law as well as their regulatory frameworks. Drawing on experience from various jurisdictions, the book determines the property nature of domain names, and suggests solutions as to how the regulation of domain names can be reformed.