Changes

ICANN's history and the history of the Internet are interlinked, and the mission of ICANN was carried out prior to its formation by volunteers, governmental actors, and academic institutions. The following is an attempt to categorize the history (and prehistory) of ICANN and the Domain Name System into eras. Some eras are defined by technical and technological advances, while others are defined by policy initiatives, structural or operational changes to ICANN org, or a broader thematic push. For instance, the present era involves the globalization of access to and use of the Internet; despite ICANN being committed to the global Internet community from its inception, several trends are converging to make the present moment a fight for global and universal access and acceptance: the [[BRIC]] countries will represent the vast majority of Internet growth in the coming decade; [[Internationalized Domain Name]]s are growing in prominence and the effort to ensure [[universal acceptance]] of alternate language scripts is as well; efforts to nationalize the DNS by China and Russia are forcing a broader conversation about the value and impact of a global Internet; and ICANN itself is aggressively seeking to improve its presence in and outreach to under-represented parts of the world.

[[ICANN]]'s history and the history of the [[Internet]] are interlinked, and the [[ICANN Mission- and Value-Driven Initiatives|mission of ICANN]] was carried out prior to its formation by volunteers, governmental actors, and academic institutions. The following is an attempt to categorize the history (and prehistory) of ICANN and the [[The Domain Name System|Domain Name System]] into eras. Some eras are defined by technical and technological advances, while others are defined by policy initiatives, structural or operational changes to the [[ICANN Organization|ICANN org]], or a broader thematic push. For instance, the present era involves the globalization of access to and use of the Internet; despite ICANN's commitment to the global Internet community from its inception, several trends have converged to make the present moment a fight for global and universal access and acceptance: [https://www.statista.com/topics/3116/internet-usage-in-bric/#dossierKeyfigures Internet usage in BRIC] will represent the vast majority of growth in the coming decade; [[Internationalized Domain Name]]s are growing in prominence, and the effort to ensure [[universal acceptance]] of alternate language scripts is as well; efforts to provide [[Alternative Roots|alternatives to the DNS by China and Russia are forcing a broader conversation about the value and impact of a global, interoperable Internet; and ICANN itself is aggressively seeking to improve its presence in and outreach to under-represented parts of the world.

[[ICANN through the Decades|ICANN has grown and changed significantly over the years]]. [[:Category:Internet Pioneers|Many people]] have made contributions throughout their lives to shaping how the Internet and ICANN work. The following is an abbreviated look at [[ICANN Eras|notable events, developments, documents, and activity]] the birth of the Internet and the development of ICANN. It should not be taken as a canonical resource regarding ICANN's evolution. Technological and policy initiatives overlap. The boundaries for each era are necessarily fuzzy. Although the effort is to identify themes within the events and history of a given era, there is no guarantee that we have it "right," or that there is a "perfectly correct" representation of a given timeframe.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[ICANN through the Decades|ICANN has grown and changed significantly over the years]]. [[:Category:Internet Pioneers|Many people]] have made contributions throughout their lives to shaping how the Internet and ICANN work. The following is an abbreviated look at the birth of the Internet and the development of ICANN. It should not be taken as a canonical resource regarding ICANN's evolution. Technological and policy initiatives overlap. The boundaries for each era are necessarily fuzzy. Although the effort is to identify themes within the events and history of a given era, there is no guarantee that we have it "right," or that there is a "perfectly correct" representation of a given timeframe.

 

[[ICANN Mission- and Value-Driven Initiatives|ICANN's Core Mission and Values have also evolved over time]]. As the scope and breadth of ICANN's Mission have become more defined, the organization's [[ICANN Bylaws|bylaws]] have adapted as well: establishing new policy development mechanisms; integrating prior agreements into the bylaws; and more fully describing the purpose and goals of the organization. Within ICANN org, staffing and organizational changes have focused on implementing ICANN's mission as instructed by the board.

==1968-1976: The Birth of the Internet==

==1968-1976: The Birth of the Internet==

==1983-1988: Birth of the DNS==

==1983-1988: Birth of the DNS==

===1983===

===1983===

====Events====

====Events====

===1988===

===1988===

====Documents & RFCs====

====Documents & RFCs====

* RFC 1083 - Internet Activities Board Official Protocol Standards (first mention of the [[Internet Assigned Numbers Authority]] (IANA) in the RFC Index)<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1083.html RFC 1083 - IAB Official Protocol Standards], December 1988</ref>

[[File:IAB.png ‎|1000px|thumbnail|right|IAB logo (Image from [https://www.iab.org/about/history/ A Brief History of the IAB])]]* RFC 1083 - Internet Activities Board Official Protocol Standards (first mention of the [[Internet Assigned Numbers Authority]] (IANA) in the RFC Index)<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1083.html RFC 1083 - IAB Official Protocol Standards], December 1988</ref>

===1992===

===1992===

* Internet goes commercial/ gains a public/ officially becomes marketplace

* Internet goes commercial/ gains a public/ officially becomes marketplace

====Documents & RFCs====

====Documents & RFCs====

* RFC 1358 - Original Charter of the [[Internet Architecture Board]] (the Internet Activities Board gets a new name and charter document)<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1358.html RFC 1358 - Charter of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB)], August 1992</ref>

* RFC 1358 - Original Charter of the [[Internet Architecture Board]] (the Internet Activities Board gets a new name and charter document)<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1358.html RFC 1358 - Charter of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB)], August 1992</ref>

* RFC 1386 - The [[.US]] Domain (Jon Postel explains structure and use of the .US [[ccTLD]] and second-level domains for states)<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1386.html RFC 1386 - The .US Domain], December 1992</ref>

* RFC 1386 - The [[.us]] Domain (Jon Postel explains structure and use of the .US [[ccTLD]] and second-level domains for states)<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1386.html RFC 1386 - The .US Domain], December 1992</ref>

 

===1993===

===1993===

====Events====

====Events====

In January 1993, [[Network Solutions]] enters into a five-year contract with the NSF to provide domain name registration and network number assignment services.

* [[Network Solutions]] enters into a five-year contract with the NSF to provide domain name registration and network number assignment services.

 

====Documents & RFCs====

====Documents & RFCs====

* RFC 1436 - Internet Gopher Protocol<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1436.html RFC 1436 - Internet Gopher Protocol], March 1993</ref>

* RFC 1436 - Internet Gopher Protocol<ref>[https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1436.html RFC 1436 - Internet Gopher Protocol], March 1993</ref>

====Documents & RFCs====

====Documents & RFCs====

* [[RFC 1591]] - Domain Name System Structure and Delegation

* [[RFC 1591]] - Domain Name System Structure and Delegation

==1996-1997: Internet Governance in Broad Strokes==

==1996-1997: Internet Governance in Broad Strokes==

===1997===

===1997===

====Events====

====Events====

* June 1997, the Clinton administration commits to the privatization of DNS management.

* June 1997, the Clinton administration commits to the privatization of DNS management.

====Documents====

====Documents====

* [https://clintonwhitehouse4.archives.gov/WH/New/Commerce/Framework for Global Electronic Commerce]

* [https://clintonwhitehouse4.archives.gov/WH/New/Commerce/ Framework for Global Electronic Commerce]

==1998: Birth of ICANN==

==1998: Birth of ICANN==

====Events====

====Events====

* In February 1998, the National Telecommunications Information Administration ([[NTIA]]) creates a Proposal to Improve the Technical Management of Internet Names and Addresses.

* In February 1998, the National Telecommunications Information Administration ([[NTIA]]) creates a Proposal to Improve the Technical Management of Internet Names and Addresses.

* In September 1998, ICANN files its Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State.

[[File:Headquarters-ICANN-Marina-del-Rey-Calif.jpg|right|thumbnail|Early ICANN Headquarters at USC ISI (Image from [https://www.britannica.com/topic/ICANN Britannica])]]* In September 1998, ICANN files its Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State.

* In October 1998, ICANN’s first board meeting is held in New York, at which [[Esther Dyson]] is named Chairman and [[Mike Roberts]] is designated President of ICANN.

* In October 1998, ICANN’s first board meeting is held in New York, at which [[Esther Dyson]] is named Chairman and [[Mike Roberts]] is designated President of ICANN.

* In November 1998, a [[Memorandum of Understanding]] between the [[United States Department of Commerce]] and [[ICANN]] is signed.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/unthemed-pages/icann-mou-1998-11-25-en ICANN.org Archive - Memorandum of Understanding], November 25, 1998</ref> Contemporaneously with the signing of the MoU, ICANN amends its Articles of Incorporation to include a broader statement of public benefit that conforms to the expectations of the MoU.

* In November 1998, a [[Memorandum of Understanding]] between the [[United States Department of Commerce]] and [[ICANN]] is signed.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/unthemed-pages/icann-mou-1998-11-25-en ICANN.org Archive - Memorandum of Understanding], November 25, 1998</ref> Contemporaneously with the signing of the MoU, ICANN amends its Articles of Incorporation to include a broader statement of public benefit that conforms to the expectations of the MoU.

* The U.S. Department of Commerce releases the  “Management of Internet Names and Addresses” outlining the objectives of ensuring DNS stability, maintaining competition, keeping Internet Governance in the private sector, relying on bottom-up coordination, and encouraging diverse and global representation.

* The U.S. Department of Commerce releases the  “Management of Internet Names and Addresses” outlining the objectives of ensuring DNS stability, maintaining competition, keeping Internet Governance in the private sector, relying on bottom-up coordination, and encouraging diverse and global representation.

* In December 1998, the University of Southern California (USC) and ICANN enter into the IANA functions transition agreement.

* In December 1998, the University of Southern California (USC) and ICANN enter into the IANA functions transition agreement.

 

====Documents====

===Documents===

* The [[Green Paper]]

* The [[Green Paper]]

* The [[White Paper]]

* The [[White Paper]]

==1999-2002: ICANN's Ad Hoc Era==

==1999-2002: ICANN's Ad Hoc Era==

DNSO exists

PSO, ASO are reserved

* [[DNSO]] comes into existence

==2002 ICANN Reform (toddler)==

* In March,  

2003

2004  

# the [[ASO]] is established, and

 

====Documents====

* [https://www.icann.org/resources/unthemed-pages/bylaws-2002-12-15-en ICANN Bylaws], as revised in December 2002 in response to the Evolution & Reform Process and the ERC's recommendations.

 

====Events====

===2003===

===2004===

==2005-2006 (youth) fulfillment of Differentiation/Expansion of ICANN bodies==

==2007-2009: Seemingly Infinite Reviewing Cycle==

[[File:Review Overlap.jpeg|500px|above|Rough Timeline of ICANN Review Overlap]] <br/>

The [[ICANN Bylaws]] call for two different types of review - organizational reviews (Article 4.4) and specific reviews (Article 4.6). [[ICANN Reviews#Organizational Reviews|Article 4.4 reviews]] were born from the [[2002 Evolution and Reform Process]], and require periodic review of ICANN's supporting organizations and advisory committees. [[ICANN Reviews#Specific Reviews|Article 4.6 reviews]] originated in the [[Affirmation of Commitments]], and the first round of "specific" reviews occurred before these reviews were enshrined in the bylaws. The amendment to the bylaws came about as a result of the [[IANA Functions Stewardship Transition]], when it was recommended that the bylaws be revised to incorporate ICANN's obligations under the Affirmation of Commitments.

The [[ICANN Bylaws]] call for two different types of review - organizational reviews (Article 4.4) and specific reviews (Article 4.6). [[ICANN Reviews#Organizational Reviews|Article 4.4 reviews]] were born from the [[2002 Evolution and Reform Process]], and require periodic review of ICANN's supporting organizations and advisory committees. [[ICANN Reviews#Specific Reviews|Article 4.6 reviews]] originated in the [[Affirmation of Commitments]], and the first round of "specific" reviews occurred before these reviews were enshrined in the bylaws. The amendment to the bylaws came about as a result of the [[IANA Functions Stewardship Transition]], when it was recommended that the bylaws be revised to incorporate ICANN's obligations under the Affirmation of Commitments.

[[Third Accountability and Transparency Review|ATRT 3]] addressed this issue head-on, suggesting that organizational reviews be replaced by "continuous improvement programs," the results of which could feed into a single, "holistic" review of the organization and its constituent parts, to be performed on a periodic basis. In addition, the ATRT 3 team recommended suspending the next cycle of specific reviews until the completion of the next Accountability and Transparency Review. These recommendations were met with varying levels of enthusiasm. The ICANN Board approved the recommendations in the fall of 2020, with caveats. On the specific review side, the board noted that community approval would be required to amend the bylaws around specific reviews. In the organizational review reforms, the board agreed to implement pilot projects testing both the "holistic" review model and a continuous improvement model.

[[Third Accountability and Transparency Review|ATRT 3]] addressed this issue head-on, suggesting that organizational reviews be replaced by "continuous improvement programs," the results of which could feed into a single, "holistic" review of the organization and its constituent parts, to be performed on a periodic basis. In addition, the ATRT 3 team recommended suspending the next cycle of specific reviews until the completion of the next Accountability and Transparency Review. These recommendations were met with varying levels of enthusiasm. The ICANN Board approved the recommendations in the fall of 2020, with caveats. On the specific review side, the board noted that community approval would be required to amend the bylaws around specific reviews. In the organizational review reforms, the board agreed to implement pilot projects testing both the "holistic" review model and a continuous improvement model.

== 2009-2012  (tween) defining accountability and transparency at ICANN ==

===2008===

== 2012-___ “Scale the Root” (adolescent)  Big 2012 round ==  

====Events====

==2014-2017-ish IANA Transition - (young adult)==

== 2009-2012: Defining Accountability and Transparency at ICANN ==

[[File:ATRT1 Process.png|right|thumbnail|ATRT1 Process (Image from [https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/atrt1-progress-milestones-2019-08-06-en ATRT1 Milestones, ICANN])]]

* The [[First Accountability and Transparency Review]] (ATRT1) was conducted between 2010 and 2011, with the implementation of recommendations from the review stretching into 2013.<ref name="dashboard">[https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/atrt1-progress-milestones-2019-08-06-en ICANN.org - ATRT1 Dashboard], last updated August 6, 2019</ref>

====Documents====

==2017 - present Universality - (adult) IANA Transition “complete” to present day==

== 2012-2017: Scaling the Root==

* The [[NTIA]] announces its intention to transition responsibility for IANA functions to the global multistakeholder community, and instructs ICANN to develop a transition plan.<ref>[https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions NTIA.gov - NTIA Announces Intent to Transition Key Internet DNS Functions], March 14, 2014</ref>

 

====Events====

==References==

==References==

[[Category:ICANN History]]

[[Category:ICANN History]]