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ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a not-for-profit organization that coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global internet. It manages the unique identifiers that allow computers to find each other online, including domain names (like google.com) and IP addresses. ICANN also develops policies for domain name registration and maintains a registry of protocol parameters used by the internet's protocols.

How ICANN works

Manages domain names: ICANN coordinates the domain name system to ensure that each domain name is unique and points to the correct IP address.

Allocates IP addresses: ICANN allocates blocks of IP addresses to large organizations, which then distribute them to users on their networks.

Coordinates protocol parameters: ICANN maintains a registry of unique codes and names used by internet protocols to ensure that different software and hardware can communicate successfully.

Develops policies: ICANN develops policies for domain name registration and works with its community to make decisions about how the internet's unique identifiers are managed.

Provides a central authority: It acts as a global authority for the Internet's address system, but its mission is to be a private-sector, not-for-profit corporation.