Government Relations: Internet Governance

The internet has evolved to become a global engine of communication, social development and economic growth. Billions of dollars in commerce pass over networked connections each day, making the stability and security of critical internet infrastructure more important than ever before. Policy decisions at all levels can have a profound impact on the stability, security and development of critical internet infrastructure.

As a global leader in internet security and stability, and a steward of critical elements of internet infrastructure, Verisign works to promote a public policy environment that supports the internet.

Security and Stability

As a global leader in internet infrastructure and security, Verisign's foremost concern is the security and stability of the internet. From a public policy and government relations standpoint, this means advocating for policies that strengthen security, protect and improve internet infrastructure and promote sound, stable governance. Verisign closely follows international and Congressional debates over data protection, network security, cybercrime and emerging threats like "phishing," "pharming," and malware. Verisign is often called to testify before the U.S. Congress and in various international forums on matters relating to security and internet infrastructure. Verisign also works with a wide range of industry and non-governmental groups that work to promote strong security policy.

Internet Governance Forum

In 2005, world leaders at the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society agreed to the creation of an annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to address key issues related to global internet policy and development. The Internet Governance Forum is unique in that it places the internet's major stakeholder groups—industry, government and civil society—on equal footing in all aspects of planning, agenda setting and execution. Because it is not a decision-making body, the IGF fosters an open dialogue and has been a valuable forum for cultivating ideas and addressing differences. Verisign supports the IGF in its current model, and looks forward to continuing its participation in the process.

ICANN/NTIA

Created in 1998, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees the global Domain Name System (DNS) under a series of agreements with the U.S. government. Those agreements are administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) within the Department of Commerce. As the operator of the .com and .net registries, Verisign is under contract with ICANN, and participates in that organization's various consultative processes.