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 final review process." More significantly, in his Report to the Kuala Lumpur meeting, ICANN President Dr. Paul Twomey discussed the organization's contingency plan. The Report indicates that ICANN divided the plan into two discreet sections, one dealing with business failure and the other concerned with natural disaster or other incident. The President's Report explains ICANN's objective in event of each type of disaster and outlines the organization's planned response.

One issue that does not appear to have been covered in the President's presentation is whether the contingency plan has been finalized and approved by DOC/NTIA. Given the global importance of ensuring continuity of ICANN's operations, DOC/NTIA should report to the public on the status and acceptability of ICANN's contingency plan.