Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs)
Glossary of Internet Terminology
Additional Information
History - GNSO Policy
Sampling of Reports Examining Various Aspects of New gTLDs
Previous gTLD Application Rounds
Information about Existing gTLD Registries
Registry InformationRelevant Past Events
Mexico (Mar 09)Cairo (Nov 08)
Paris (Jun 08)
Delhi (Feb 08)
Los Angeles (Oct 07)
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New gTLD Program
Openness Change Innovation
Since ICANN was founded ten years ago as a not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to coordinating the Internet's addressing system, one of its foundational principles has been to promote competition in the domain name marketplace while ensuring Internet security and stability. The expansion of the generic top-level domains (gTLDs) will allow for more innovation, choice and change to the Internet's addressing system, now represented by 21 gTLDs.
The decision to introduce new gTLDs followed a detailed and lengthy consultation process with all constituencies of the global Internet community represented by a wide variety of stakeholders governments, individuals, civil society, business and intellectual property constituencies, and the technology community. Also contributing to this policy work were ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO), and Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC). The policy was completed by the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) in 2007, and adopted by ICANN's Board in June, 2008. The program is expected to launch early 2010.
The ICANN team continues to share with the Internet community the ongoing program developments through the release of draft applicant guidebooks, excerpts, explanatory memos and in -person meetings. All details can be found on this page.
In a world with over 1.6 billion Internet users and growing diversity, choice and competition are key to the continued success and reach of the global network.Updates
Trademark Protection: Implementation Recommendation team (IRT) was formed per Board Resolution and is proposing a series of solutions for the trademark protection issues raised. The IRT is not the only source of input ICANN will be considering. Public Comments on Final Report on Trademark Protection in New gTLDs prepared by the Implementation Recommendation Team (IRT) has been extended to July 6th, 2009.
Potential for Malicious Conduct: Several parties have expressed interest in providing comment, including: the Anti Phishing Working Group (APWG), the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group (MAAWG), the Registry Internet Safety Group (RISG), individual Registries and Registrars, members of the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA), members of the Forum for Incident Responders and Security Teams (FIRST) and large commercial e-commerce operators. Comment on these issues and suggestions for measures to mitigate potential increases in malicious conduct arising from the addition of new generic TLD’s is welcome from all interested parties and organizations.
Security and Stability: Root Zone Scaling: RSSAC and SSAC will be working on a study on Domain Name System Security and Stability due to root zone scaling. Terms of Reference were posted on the Wiki.
TLD Demand and Economic Analysis: Final Report on Competition and Pricing has been posted. http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-06jun09-en.htm
Announcements
Previous Announcements
Please click on the dates and milestones above to learn more about both programs.