ICANN Bylaws
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) administers the Domain Name System (DNS), which regulates the web site domain name registrars and matches domain names to numeric Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. An international non-profit organization incorporated in California, ICANN operates under bylaws that guide its Board of Directors in developing technical policy and working with companies, governments and other Internet stakeholders.
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Bylaws on Mission and Core Values
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ICANN aims to "coordinate, at the overall level, the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers... to ensure the stable and secure operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems." Its mission statement sets out 11 core values that emphasize consultation with and accountability to Internet stakeholders, decision-making based on evidence, non-interference on policy issues unrelated to ICANN's mandate, and protection of the global Internet's technical health.
Bylaws on ICANN Powers and Organizational Structure
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ICANN bylaws give policy-making authority to a 21-member Board of Directors, which includes five non-voting members. Article VI sets out the qualifications, terms and duties of Board members, and allocates seats between various stakeholder groups, including two seats each to three "supporting organizations" representing various companies and domain registrars.
In practice, the actual decision-making process involves several groups that report to the Board, including the three "supporting organizations" and four "advisory committees" that speak for national governments and treaty bodies, Internet users, server operators and the Internet security community.
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Bylaws on Transparency
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Perhaps because of its enormous influence over Internet policy, ICANN bylaws pay close attention to ensuring the transparency of decision-making. Article III requires ICANN to keep a web site with up-to-date information on its activities so that interested people or organizations can stay informed. Minutes of the Board or supporting organizations get posted online, and ICANN must provide advance notice and time for comment whenever a policy change might "substantially affect the Internet or third parties..."
Bylaws on Accountability
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Under Article IV of the bylaws, those affected by a policy change can ask the Board to reconsider, or demand that an Independent Review Panel determine if the Board violated its own rules. Article V sets up an Office of Ombudsman for resolving disputes outside the Article IV reconsideration or review panel processes.
Miscellaneous Bylaws
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The remaining bylaws address a wide range of issues, including the composition of the committee that chooses Directors (Article VII), the roles of the three "supporting organizations" (Articles VIII-X) and the creation of Advisory Committees (Article XI). Articles XV and XVI set out financial management procedures. Because ICANN amends bylaws frequently, Article XX codifies procedures for changing over from old to new rules.
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References
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