Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of ICANN in relation to the Internet?

1. To set standards for web design.

2. To manage and register domain names.

3. To provide technical support for internet users.

4. To develop applications for internet security.

The correct answer is: To manage and register domain names.

The primary purpose of ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is to manage and register domain names. This organization plays a critical role in the internet's infrastructure by overseeing the global Domain Name System (DNS), which ensures that every internet address is unique and functional. By managing the allocation of domain names and their associated numeric IP addresses, ICANN helps maintain the stability and security of the internet as a whole. While setting standards for web design, providing technical support for internet users, and developing applications for internet security are important aspects of the internet ecosystem, they are not the defining functions of ICANN. This organization specifically focuses on coordinating the unique identifiers of the internet, thereby enabling users to navigate the web efficiently and ensuring that domain names can be resolved to the correct IP addresses, thus facilitating access to websites and online resources.