In the realm of early internet history, X.25 holds a significant but often overlooked position. Conceived during the 1970s, this packet-switching protocol made its mark primarily in Europe, serving as a cornerstone for international data communications. While the TCP/IP protocol suite emerged as the global standard that underpins today’s internet, X.25 played a crucial role…

In the early days of the Internet, the possibilities of interconnecting computers to share information and resources were just budding concepts, the implications of which few could fully grasp. One of the groundbreaking efforts that sought to explore these uncharted territories was the Merit Network, a non-profit organization founded in 1966 by Michigan State University,…

As the keeper of the Internet’s digital infrastructure, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) operates at the nexus of technology, business, and governance. At the heart of this trinity is the imperative to bridge the gap between the digital realm’s technical aspects and the real-world governance systems of nations and states. Answering…

In the vast landscape of the Internet, domain names function as signposts, guiding users to the digital destinations they seek. At the pinnacle of these domain names lies the Top-Level Domain (TLD). For many years, internet users were familiar with a limited array of TLDs – such as .com, .org, and .net. However, the digital…

The Internet, a digital wonderland of information and communication, requires meticulous governance to remain open, stable, and secure. At the heart of this governance lies the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Yet, with such profound responsibilities, how does ICANN ensure its operations reflect transparency and accountability, cornerstones of any democratic institution? Understanding…

In the digital transformation age, the emergence of smart cities—urban centers that leverage technology to enhance the well-being of citizens and improve service efficiency—has become a central theme for many governments worldwide. While the blueprint of a smart city often evokes images of autonomous vehicles, efficient energy grids, and connected infrastructure, underlying all these advancements…

In the grand mosaic of global diplomacy and politics, one might not immediately place internet governance at the forefront. Yet, in the digital age, the stewardship of the internet’s foundational infrastructure is of paramount importance. As nations grapple with the weight of digitization, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) emerges as a…

Brexit, the United Kingdom’s historic decision to depart from the European Union, sent shockwaves throughout various sectors, from economics to politics. However, its influence did not end at terrestrial borders. The digital realm, particularly the intricate web of domain registrations governed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), found itself navigating uncharted…

In the labyrinthine ecosystem of the internet, domain names function as the defining addresses. These concise, easy-to-remember identifiers, like “example.com,” allow users to navigate the vast digital space with ease. Behind this seemingly straightforward system lies a complex economic structure overseen by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). To appreciate the economics…

In the vast landscape of the digital age, domain names stand as pivotal landmarks, guiding users to destinations, brands, and information hubs. However, just as territorial disputes are no stranger to the physical world, battles over digital territories—domain names—have emerged as contentious issues. One such battle revolves around the nefarious practice of Reverse Domain Name…