The First Computer-to-Computer Link on ARPANET: October 29, 1969
1969 · Los Angeles, United States
The first-ever computer-to-computer link was established on ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, between UCLA and Stanford Research Institute.
Formation of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
On September 18, 1998, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was formed to take over several crucial internet-related tasks that were previously managed by other organizations. This transition was a significant milestone in the development and governance of the global internet.
Background and Context
Before ICANN’s formation, these responsibilities, including the management of domain names and IP addresses, were largely overseen by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), operated under a contract with the United States government by Jon Postel and the Information Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California. The rapid expansion of the internet in the 1990s necessitated a more organized and publicly accountable governance structure to manage these growing resources and technical functions.
Key Responsibilities
ICANN was established as a non-profit organization based in California and became responsible for overseeing:
- The coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS), ensuring that domain names are universally resolvable and unique.
- The allocation and management of IP address spaces.
- Assigning protocol identifier numbers and managing the root server system of the internet.
Significance
The establishment of ICANN represented a move towards a more decentralized and international approach to internet governance, reducing the direct control previously held by the United States. It aimed to enhance transparency and accountability, encouraging participation from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society worldwide.
Aftermath and Developments
Since its inception, ICANN has played a crucial role in the ongoing development and stability of the internet infrastructure. It has introduced new policies, overseen the introduction of numerous new Top-Level Domains (TLDs), and addressed emerging challenges related to internet security and intellectual property. ICANN continues to evolve, adapting its models for governance and community engagement to reflect the changing landscape of the internet.