Timeline of Key DNS Events

  • November 1983 – RFC 882 creates the domain name system (DNS) to make Internet navigation easier. With the DNS, users can type host names such as "USC-ISIF" instead of "10.2.0.52".

  • October 1984 – RFC 920 establishes generic "top level domains" (gTLDs, including .com, .net, .org, and .gov) to provide domain space for corporations, non-profits, schools, networks, US government offices and the US military.

  • November 1987 – RFC 1020 transfers control of Internet Protocol numbers from Jon Postel and ISI to the Network Information Center (NIC) at SRI International. First transfer of DNS activity to private sector.

  • September 1991 – RFC 1261 transfers NIC to Government Systems, Inc., in a document written by Network Solutions (NSI) employees.

  • January 1, 1993 – NSI and National Science Foundation (NSF) sign Cooperative Agreement granting NSI authority to manage DNS registration and database. Agreement set to expire on 9/30/98.

  • October 22, 1996 to May 1, 1997 – The Internet International Ad Hoc Committee (IAHC, a coalition of participants including ISOC, IANA, ITU and WIPO among others) forms to recommend policy and procedure changes for administering gTLDs.

  • February 28, 1997 – IAHC releases the "generic Top Level Domains Memorandum of Understanding" (gTLD-MoU) as its recommendation of DNS policy; IAHC holds working meetings and solicits signatories to the Memorandum.

  • May 1, 1997 – 80 organizations sign the gTLD-MoU and the IAHC dissolves. Dissenters to gTLD-MoU claim that it bypasses governance structures and fails to protect individuals/small businesses in Internet policy debates; there is further concern regarding the centralization of power over DNS in a non-governmental organization.

  • January 30, 1998 – Department of Commerce issues a proposed policy statement, known as the Green Paper, to improve the technical management of Internet names and addresses. Elements of the gTLD-MoU are incorporated.

  • June 5, 1998 – In response to comments received regarding the Green Paper, Department of Commerce issues a statement of policy, known as the White Paper, calling for the end of direct federal support of Internet name and address coordination services; and calls for "Newco" to be created and take over the DNS. Many of the same concerns raised in the gTLD-MoU debate resurface.

  • July/August 1998 – The International Forum on the White Paper holds a series of meetings around the world to address issues left open in the White Paper such as dispute resolution and the formation of new registries.

  • November 21, 1998 – The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) incorporates with aim of receiving designation as "Newco".

  • November 25, 1998 – Department of Commerce signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICANN recognizing ICANN as the "Newco" called for in the White Paper.