The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) todaydiscussed the evolution of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS)and its potential implication for Sri Lanka.
ICANN is currently overseeing one of the biggest changes ever in the history of the Internet with its New Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Program. This is driving the largest expansion of the DNS, promoting choice, competition and innovation for the benefit of consumers and businesses.
ICANN is also enhancing the usability of the Internet through the introduction of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). IDNs will enable the global community to use a domain name and access content in their native language or script.
Sri Lanka currently has an Internet penetration rate of approximately 32 percent, which is below the average penetration of 46.7 percent in Asia1. However, rapid rise in mobile broadband subscriptions can change that. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, mobile broadband subscriptions have risen from just over 90,000 subscriptions in 2009, to over 4 million in June 2017.
“The DNS’ expansion will help provide for the growing Internet community in our region. In a time when everyone and everything is going digital, a website and domain name are essentials for every business, including people. We are seeing the Internet evolve as more people coming online can do so in their own languages,”said ChampikaWijayatunga, ICANN’s Security, Stability and Resiliency Regional Manager. Wijayatunga is also responsible for the engagement and outreach in the South Asia markets, including Sri Lanka.
Courtesy : The Island published on 14th December 2017
