New ICANN rules for introducing gTLDs

The Internet Committee for Assigned Names and Numbers has issued a press release on January 3rd, 2006, calling for papers on the matter of Policy Development for introduction of new gTLDs.

Here are the four main questions they’re looking to find answers for:

1. Should new generic top-level domain names be introduced?

Given the information provided here and any other relevant information available to the GNSO, the GNSO should assess whether there is sufficient support within the Internet community to enable the introduction of new top-level domains. If this is the case the following additional terms of reference are applicable.

2. Selection Criteria for New Top-Level Domains

(a) Taking into account the existing selection criteria from previous top-level domain application processes and relevant criteria in registry services reallocations, develop modified or new criteria that specifically address ICANN’s goals of expanding the use and usability of the Internet. In particular, examine ways in which the allocation of new top-level domains can meet demands for broader use of the Internet in developing countries.

(b) Examine whether preferential selection criteria (e.g. sponsored) could be developed which would encourage new and innovative ways of addressing the needs of Internet users.

(c) Examine whether additional criteria need to be developed which address ICANN’s goals of ensuring the security and stability of the Internet.

3. Allocation Methods for New Top-Level Domains

(a) Using the experience gained in previous rounds, develop allocation methods for selecting new top-level domain names.

(b) Examine the full range of allocation methods including auctions, ballots, first-come / first-served and comparative evaluations to determine the methods of allocation that best enhance user choice while not compromising predictability and stability.

(c) Examine how allocation methods could be used to achieve ICANN’s goals of fostering competition in domain name registration services and encouraging a diverse range of registry services providers.

4. Policy to Guide Contractual Conditions for New Top-Level Domains

(a) Using the experience of previous rounds of top-level domain name application processes and the recent amendments to registry services agreements, develop policies to guide the contractual criteria which are publicly available prior to any application rounds.

(b) Determine what policies are necessary to provide security and stability of registry services.

(c) Determine appropriate policies to guide a contractual compliance program for registry services.

Quite an agenda!

If you’re lobbying for a new domain name suffix, like .space, .beer or .college, this is your time to shine.

Generally speaking, proponents of adding new gTLDs argue that they are easy to create and free up new space for Internet addresses. Those opposed say more gTLDs only lead to confusion and pose an increased risk of trademark infringement, cybersquatting, and cyberpiracy.

As a reminder, here’s the 411 on what ICANN’s calling papers for.

A gTLD (generic top-level domain name) is the top-level domain name of an Internet address that identifies it generically as associated with some domain class, such as .com (commercial), .net (originally intended for Internet service providers, but now used for many purposes), .org (for non-profit organizations, industry groups, and others), .gov (U.S. government agencies), .mil (for the military), .edu (for educational institutions) and .int (for international treaties or databases and seldomly used).

For example, in the domain name, www.apple.com, ".com" is the chosen gTLD.

In addition to the gTLD, there’s the ccTLD (country code top-level domain name) that identifies a specific national domicile for an address, like .ca for Canada.

Recently, such suffixes like .jobs, .travel and .xxx have been approved. In and of itself, it shows there’s legitimate hope for people pushing TLD propositions destined for niche markets.

It’s also worth noting the ICANN previouly rejected gTLDs such as .kid, .site, .home and the very straightforward .dot so if you’re going to propose a new suffix, it better be -very- good!