ICANN: Transformation of Approach towards Internet Governance

Abstract

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is one of the world's prior organizations governing the Internet. Since its establishement in 1998 it faced criticism concerning the lack of legitimacy and accountability. ICANN was also challenged because of the ongoing tight relationship with the US government, which was not considered to be acceptable by the rest of the world. The article focuses on the development of ICANN and its approach towards the criticism. It elaborates on the sector-specific issues regarding Internet governance. And finally it informs the reader about the process of transformation of ICANN, which severed the link between the US government and ICANN.