The Role of .RO Domains in Enabling Digital Transformation: A Study on the Evolution of Digital Society in Romania

Abstract

In just a few decades, the concept of the information society has transitioned from a vaguely established idea attempting to predict the future of humanity to a tangible reality that encompasses the entire globe. This rapid progress in the field of information technology and communication has resulted in the majority of our everyday devices, such as computers, televisions, home appliances, and even vehicles, being imbued with smart technology that is intended to benefit society. While the evolution of the internet is linked to technological advancements, it is also heavily influenced by social factors that give rise to new consequences for our society. Given the fast-paced evolution of the Information Society, it is essential to keep up with the changes. In Romania, the .RO domains play a crucial role in shaping the country's information society. However, these domains are often targeted by attacks, and continuous measures must be implemented to ensure the Internet operates smoothly in the country. The management of .RO domains involves several specialized applications, and their development and security are an ongoing project. Despite the remarkable technological advancements made in recent decades, the physical location of a business or organization remains crucial. In this regard, national domain names are of significant importance. The Romanian Top Level Domain is a vital component of the information society, and its dependability and safety are fundamental for social, economic activities, and the smooth operation of online services. Although the Domain Name System is often viewed as merely a technical task, its administration involves many factors, such as infrastructure stability, system security, and resource allocation. DNS is not solely a function of Internet governance, as it encompasses technologies that contribute to the functioning of the Internet. The DNS embeds content, and conflicts over property rights may arise concerning domain names that contain text (letters and/or numbers). The system must have several checkpoints that sanitize and verify content access. Security plays a key role in Internet governance, and this issue is a significant concern at both the country and ccTLD level, as well as for Internet governing bodies such as ICANN and IANA. Organizations responsible for Internet governance continuously update their security policies and offer training and advisory sessions at various levels to counter security threats. At the ccTLD level, security is a continuous topic as the risks associated with it cannot be tolerated.

Authors

* External Author