The Role of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
Over the years, the United States government focused on privatizing the internet’s domain name system. In so doing, the private sector would be responsible for the domain name systems, which provides a stable form of internet governance. In 2016, the United States transferred control over Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to the United Nations. The role of the IANA of synchronizing the internet protocol systems has significantly improved, and it has affected the internet services and security by involving multiple stakeholders to create a dynamic platform on the internet which will, in turn, foster economic growth.
As stated by McGillivary (2014), the main role of IANA is the synchronization of Internet Protocol systems. In particular, IANA coordinates unique identifiers that facilitate internet operations. Hence, the unique identifiers on every computer facilitate the communication between the online devices through the standards set in place (Mueller, 2014). Therefore, the transfer of stewardship to the United Nations creates a system with multiple stakeholders which creates a bigger platform for accountability over the internet users all over the world (Mueller, 2014). Additionally, Hill (2016) contends that the transition facilitates openness in the internet platform by handing over the management by the volunteer stakeholder community. In so doing, internet freedom would be improved, which promotes better experiences with the use of the internet across the world. Finally, the move will boost communication over the internet through the free flow of information, which is an essential aspect of the protection of human rights.
Overall, IANA plays a vital role in the internet functions by coordinating the unique identifiers which facilitate operations. The handover of the stewardship from the United States to the United Nations created an opportunity for improved services which further enhanced the role of IANA and improved the free flow of information over the internet.
