p. 37721. Internet domain names
- Ian J. LloydIan J. LloydFormerly Senior Specialist, HSU, National Research University, Russian Federation and Visiting Professor, Open University of Tanzania
Abstract
Internet access is dependent on two major factors: Internet (generally referred to as IP) addresses, which are a functional equivalent to telephone numbers, and domain names. The former element raises a number of technical issues but is generally non-contentious. Systems of domain names—which effectively serve as an alias for IP numbers—are much more controversial and raise major issues how the Internet should be regulated. This chapter begins with a discussion of the emergence of Internet regulation. It then turns to domain names and the regulation of the domain-name system at both a global and country specific level.
