Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

How to Apply for a New Generic Top Level Domain

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After years of discussion and thought, generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are being expanded. They will allow for more innovation, choice and change to a global Internet presently served by just 21 generic top-level domain names.

A draft Applicant Guidebook has been developed with opportunities for public comment. The draft Guidebook describes processes for objections to applications. There has been detailed technical scrutiny to ensure the Internet’s stability and security. There will be an evaluation fee, but it will recover costs only (expenses so far, application processing and other costs) and it will be reviewed after the first round of applications. ICANN is a not for profit corporation dedicated to coordinating the Internet’s addressing system. If fee collection exceeds expenses, the community will be consulted as to how that excess is to be used.

Promoting competition and choice is one of the principles upon which ICANN was founded. In a world with 1.5 billion Internet users (and growing), diversity, choice and innovation are key. The Internet has supported huge increases in choice, innovation and the competition of ideas and expanding new gTLDs is an opportunity for more.

New gTLDs and the Internet
Openness Change Innovation.