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New gTLD Program: Three Documents Available for Comment, including Economics Study

16 June 2010

ICANN is pleased to release three additional documents related to the New generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program. These materials are posted for public comment that will be open until July 21, 2010. We are looking forward to receiving your comments. These three documents are part of a series of publications recently posted. For more details go to: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-4-31may10-en.htm

  1. The first document is "An Economic Framework for the Analysis of the Expansion of Generic Top-Level Domain Names" [PDF, 336 KB]. This work is being done by Greg Rosston, Stanford University and Michael Katz, University of California Berkeley. Both have been commissioned to: survey published studies and resources that describe the potential impacts of new gTLD introduction: examine theoretical arguments about benefits and costs of increased gTLDs; and consider and propose new empirical studies that could help assess costs and benefits.  The studies should be planned and structured to address open questions.

    This publication is part one of a two phase study. The second phase will begin after the closure and analysis of the public comments. You can access this public forum here.

  2. The second document is the "Joint SO/AC Working Group on New gTLD Applicant Support Snapshot"[PDF, 368 KB]. This group was recently formed to look into applicant support for new gTLDs and is composed by members of ICANN's Supporting Organizations (SOs) and Advisory Committees (ACs). The formation and activities of this working group is a direct response to a recent Board resolution during the ICANN Meeting in Nairobi during recognizing the importance of an inclusive New gTLD Program. The Board requested stakeholders "to develop a sustainable approach to providing support to applicants requiring assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs."  See resolution here.

    The working group continues to evaluate and propose recommendations regarding specific support to new gTLD applicants in justified cases. The current publication is a status report and findings to date, with a view to solicit public comments to guide further work.  You can access this public forum here.

    In addition to this public comment, the working group posted a blog asking for input from providers of registry service. See blog here.

    On June  23, 2010, during the ICANN Meeting in Brussels there will be a session dedicated to this topic.  The session is called "Reducing Barriers to New gTLD Creation in Developing Regions" and the details for in person and remote participation can be found here.

  3. The third document is the "Draft Program Development Snapshot #2- High Security Zone Top-Level Domain Advisory Group (HSTLD Advisory Group)" [PDF, 772 KB]This document is part of a series of activities undertaken by ICANN staff and community experts in response to specific community comments. This document works towards development of a voluntary program and supporting control standards that could be adopted to provide an enhanced level of trust and security. The HSLTD Advisory Group continues to work on this. Relevant next steps include review and approval of material necessary to support the HSTLD purpose, goals and principles.   You can access this public forum here.

Related Resources:

New gTLD Program

Recent Comments Summaries & Analyses

Recent Explanatory Memoranda & Related Reports