Introduction of New gTLDs
Background
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers like domain names (like .com, .org, .asia) and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols that help computers reach each other over the Internet. ICANN is a bottom-up, consensus policy organization that is made up of various constituencies and supporting organizations. To view an organization chart, go to http://www.icann.org/structure.
Careful management of these resources is vital to the Internet's operation, so ICANN's global stakeholders meet regularly to develop policies that ensure the Internet's ongoing security and stability.
In 2005, the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO), the supporting organization within ICANN that is responsible for policy-making related to generic top-level domains (gTLDs), initiated the policy- making process (PDP) for the introduction of new gTLDs. After extensive community consultation and public comment, they issued a Final Report on the Introduction of New Generic Top-Level Domains on August 7, 2007, which contained 20 “Recommendations” and 17 “Implementation Guidelines” for the introduction of new gTLDs into the name space (see: http://www.gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/pdp-dec05-fr-parta-08aug07.htm). This report was then forwarded to the ICANN Board for a vote.
Current Status of the Introduction of New gTLDs
At the 32nd ICANN Meeting in Paris, June 21-27, the ICANN Board unanimously approved the 20 “Recommendations” and 17 “Implementation Guidelines” outlined by the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO). This approval now authorizes ICANN staff to move forward with development of detailed requirements, procedures and policies for the introduction of new gTLDs to the root. Unlike the introduction of new gTLDs in 2000 and 2003, ICANN does not plan to pre-determine the number of TLDs that will be approved (in 2000 – 7 were approved and in 2003 – 6) because research by ICANN staff in consultation with the technical community has estimated that up to 5000 new TLDs could be introduced into the root without affecting security and stability of the Internet. ICANN believes the introduction of hundreds, if not thousands, of new gTLDs will promote competition in the provision of registry services, add to consumer choice, provide an opportunity for market differentiation and enable geographical and service-provider diversity.
Timing of New gTLD Application Process
There are still many unanswered questions regarding who may participate in the process, what the application process will look like, applicant requirements, dispute procedures, etc. However, ICANN staff circulated the below timeline at the Paris Meeting to provide stakeholders with insight on milestones that need to be achieved to enable the application process to be launched. Given the number of open questions and the amount of consultation and public comment that is required by ICANN rules, it remains to be seen whether this anticipated timeline for the launch is able to be achieved.
Types of New gTLDs Expected
It is expected that we will see the following types of gTLDs being introduced:
- Vanity TLDs – eg., .csc, .icann
- Generic TLDs – eg., .bank, .movie
- Geographical TLDs – eg., .berlin, .nyc
Current Thinking on New gTLD Implementation
At the Paris meeting, ICANN staff provided attendees with a high-level overview of what the application process for new gTLDs could look like. It was repeatedly stressed throughout the meeting that what they were sharing was just initial thinking to get the conversation started and stressed that the actual implementation process could change dramatically after review and consultation with the community and further policy work. Below, please find the ppt slide which provides the highest-level overview of the process currently being contemplated by ICANN staff:
 Next Steps
Detailed requirements, procedures and policies will now be developed regarding the specific qualifications of parties (i.e., registry/registrar), the new gTLD application selection/vetting criteria and the overall implementation process. All policies developed by ICANN staff will go through formal public comment periods, review by ICANN stakeholdergroups and will need to be approved by the ICANN Board. There will also be a notice period before implementation of any approved policies.
CSC understands that the introduction of new gTLDs could afford our customers new opportunities for brand promotion, but will likely also present new challenges in protecting corporate identity and brands. Accordingly, we will continue to do our best to make sure that the voice of our corporate customers is heard in the ICANN process. If you have any comments you would like CSC to share with the ICANN community, have questions or would like to become more involved in ICANN, please e-mail golive@cscinfo.com for assistance. CSC will also be announcing several web seminar sessions to review the above information with customers and answer any questions.
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