i2Coalition and The Domain Name Association Merge to Create North America’s Largest Internet Infrastructure Advocacy Group

PRESS RELEASE — July 16, 2020

Combined Association to Operate as the i2Coalition and Establish a DNA Working Group, Amplifying the Voice of the Companies that Build the Internet’s Foundational Infrastructure

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (“i2Coalition”), the leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers and related tech, and The Domain Name Association (“DNA”), a nonprofit global business association that represents the interests of the domain name industry, have announced their intent to merge, forming the largest Internet infrastructure advocacy group in North America.

The combined association will operate under the name i2Coalition and maintain the i2Coalition’s existing organizational and management structure. The DNA will be represented by two members on the Board of Directors. A DNA-branded working group will also be created to continue to advance the DNA’s mission to protect and empower businesses and individuals with education and engagement that underscores the importance, benefits and opportunities of domain names.

The DNA is the first-ever industry trade association representing the interests of the domain name industry and plays a vital role in helping consumers, businesses, public-benefit organizations and others understand the benefits and take advantage of the Internet name space. Since i2Coalition’s formal launch in 2012, it has worked with Internet infrastructure providers to advocate for sensible policies, design and reinforce best practices, create industry standards and build awareness of how the Internet works through an array of working groups.

Through this merger, the mission of the DNA will be more comprehensively empowered by i2Coalition’s working groups and associated initiatives. Effective July 28, 2020, this strategic alliance positions the combined association to be the most complete representation of the Internet industry in North America. In addition to amplifying the reach and capabilities for members, the merger enables access to an expanded set of resources and economies of scale that will allow the collective to mount more far-reaching and expansive campaigns to ensure policy doesn’t impede growth, knowledge and access to the Internet and its resources. Effective upon the close of the merger, a new DNA working group within the i2Coalition’s existing construct will be implemented with a formation meeting scheduled within 30 days.

“The merger of our organizations underpins the mission of both the DNA and the i2Coalition, combining our mutual dedication to Internet industry best practices and policies to empower continued growth. Combined, we represent over 100 organization members and their online business interests,” says Christian Dawson, Co-Founder of the i2Coalition. “Our commitment to the DNA’s mission is at the core of this merger, and the priorities of both organizations remain as strong as ever. We look forward to going forth with the expanded capabilities and amplified voice that this newly formed collaborative provides.”

“The mission of the DNA has always been to spread awareness, promote growth, offer resources and facilitate communication about innovation and value in the Internet domain name space,” adds Statton Hammock, founding DNA Board member and current Board Secretary. “Our mission aligns well with that of the i2Coalition, and I look forward to remaining part of the new organization and to creating an even larger impact.”

“Domain names are a key part of the growth of the Internet infrastructure, and the i2Coalition is excited to become an enabler for the great work the DNA is accomplishing in this sphere,” comments Melinda Clem, Chairwoman for the i2Coalition. “We’re excited to collaboratively foster a healthy domain environment with universal acceptance of non-traditional domains and provide access to expertise and resources that help address issues facing the domain name industry.”

To learn more about the Domain Name Association, please visit www.thedna.org.

To learn more about the i2Coalition, please visit www.i2coalition.com.

About the Domain Name Association (the DNA)

The Domain Name Association (“The DNA”) is a non-profit global business association that represents the interests of the domain name industry. It is independent and global in scope, and its members are groups, businesses of all sizes, and individuals involved in the provision, support, and sale of domain names, including such organizations as domain name registries, registrars, resellers, and registry service providers.

About the i2Coalition

The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (“i2Coalition”) ensures that those who build the infrastructure of the Internet have a voice in public policy. We are a leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers, and related tech. We protect innovation and the continued growth of the Internet’s infrastructure which is essential to the global economy. Our coalition launched at a significant time in our industry’s history. The genesis of the organization began in 2011 when many of the i2Coalition founding and charter members joined forces during the successful effort to prevent SOPA and PIPA from becoming United States law. After mobilizing to ensure the Internet’s free flow of information and commerce, we realized the on-going need for an industry voice, founding formally in 2012.

Contacts

Anne Whealdon
iMiller Public Relations for i2Coalition
[email protected]
Tel: +1-866-307-2510