ICANN Posts Application and Assessment Criteria Information for New Top-Level Domain Proposals

August 16, 2000 - Marina del Rey, CA -- Yesterday, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) posted the application forms and assessment criteria for new top-level domain (TLD) proposals. Applications will be accepted beginning September 5, 2000 until October 2, 2000, followed by a two-week public comment period and review by the ICANN Board of Directors. An announcement of the Board's decisions is scheduled for mid-November.

During the application period, applicants with questions can address them in writing to <tld-applications@icann.org> and substantive responses will be posted at <http://www.icann.org/tlds/tld-faqs.htm>.

Criteria for use in selecting among the proposals submitted are posted at <http://www.icann.org/tlds/tld-criteria-15aug00.htm>. Application materials may be accessed through <http://www.icann.org/tlds/tld-applications-15aug00.htm>.

They include:

1. Sponsored & Unsponsored TLD Application Transmittal Forms
2. Sponsoring Organization's Proposal
3. Registry Operator's Proposal
4. Description of TLD Policies
5. Statement of Requested Confidential Treatment of Materials Submitted
6. Fitness Disclosures

An overview of the application process is posted at <http://www.icann.org/tlds/application-process-03aug00.htm>.