What is the primary purpose of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)?

The primary purpose of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is to manage domain names and IP addresses. ICANN's responsibilities include overseeing the global domain name system (DNS), which ensures that internet addresses remain unique and that users can access websites reliably and effectively. This organization plays a critical role in coordinating the allocation and assignment of domain names and IP addresses across the internet, which is essential for maintaining the internet’s functionality.

By ensuring that each domain name corresponds to a unique IP address and managing how domain names are structured, ICANN helps maintain the integrity and stability of the internet. This function is significant as it facilitates communication and connectivity among different users and systems worldwide. The other options focus on areas that are outside ICANN’s mandate, such as pricing regulation, protocol creation, or software development, which are handled by different organizations or regulatory bodies within the internet ecosystem.