The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today announced the publication of Second-level Reference Label Generation Rules (LGRs) for the Arabic, Hebrew, and Sinhala scripts, as well as the Hebrew language.
Second-level Reference LGRs are guidance on how domain names in these scripts might be registered. They are published to improve the transparency and consistency of the Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) table review process and facilitate registry operations. Second-level Reference LGRs can be used or referred to by generic top-level domain (gTLD) registries when developing IDN tables that suit their business needs. Published reference LGRs are used when reviewing the LGR or IDN tables submitted by gTLD registries, e.g., through the Registry Service Evaluation Policy (RSEP) process.
The Second-level Reference LGRs for the Arabic, Hebrew, and Sinhala scripts, and the Hebrew language have been developed in consultation with the respective script communities following detailed analysis for the Root Zone Label Generation Rules (RZ-LGRs). These Second-level Reference LGRs have been finalized and released after the Public Comment period.
A total of 31 language-based and 16 script-based reference LGRs have been published. Additional languages and scripts will be included in future releases as relevant community input becomes available.