ICANN Launches Membership Web Site for Individual Internet Users

Marina del Rey, CA, USA (25 February 2000)The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)announces the launch of its At Large Membership web site.

After considerable public input, the ICANNBoard has developed this program as a new way for Internet usersfrom all over the globe to participate directly in the ICANN processand help ensure the smooth coordination of the Internet's technicalinfrastructure. Individuals can begin registering today to becomeICANN members at http://members.icann.org.

The At Large Membership of ICANN will giveindividual members of Internet communities worldwide a voice inthe selection of Directors to the ICANN Board. By becoming anICANN member, individuals will have an opportunity to become partof the ICANN "bottom-up" approach to making policy concerningInternet Names and Addresses. ICANN members will be able to receiveregular news, updates and announcements about ICANN activitiesand policy initiatives.

The basic requirements for applying to becomean ICANN At Large member are:

* The completion of an online membershipapplication,
* A working Internet email address; and
* A single physical residence verified by a postal mailaddress.

Thanks to a grant from the Markle Foundation,the initial launch of ICANN's At Large Membership program hasbeen funded without the need for membership dues.

The ICANN Board will consider and adoptfurther policy about composition and structure of the At LargeMembership, and to establish rules for the nomination and electionof candidates for the At Large Council, at the Board's next meeting,to be held March 9-10. It is hoped that the target goal of 5000members can be reached in the next few weeks in order to moveforward with the At Large Elections later this year.