What is Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)?

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is an international body that keeps track of the IP addresses, domain names, Domain Name Systems (DNSs), and protocol parameter identifiers used on the internet. IANA also keeps track of specific numbers, symbols, and different types of media (video, audio, text, etc.) on the internet. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for upholding many of IANA's standards for websites in the United States and around the world.