What If ICANN Melts?
A recent conference focused on the need for preventing an internet meltdown. However, another serious issue also deserves – and has received – attention, how to respond to the possible incapacitation of ICANN. ICANN’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Commerce (DOC) requires that the corporation”develop a contingency plan to ensure continuity of operations” in event of bankruptcy, natural disaster or other severe disruption. The MOU requires the contingency plan to be completed by June 30, 2004. In developing the plan, ICANN is required to work with DOC “to ensure that such plan reflects the international nature of the DNS.” Fortunately, ICANN appears to have taken seriously their contingency planning responsibilities. Specifically, ICANN has: 1) engaged in a major contingency planning exercise; and 2) communicated with the public about the contingency plan. ICANN’s Audit Committee Report of July notes that “a contingency plan for business continuity is in the fi
