The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN's) board of directors voted today to approve one of the biggest changes in history to the Internet's domain name system.
Internet address names will now be able to end in almost any word, in any language.
The decision, which is the culmination of six years of discussion, will allow for a dramatic increase in the number of Internet domain name endings, known as generic top-level domains (gTLDs). There are currently only 22 gTLDs, which include .com, .org and .net.
“Today's decision will usher in a new Internet age,” says Peter Thrush, chairman of ICANN's board of directors. “We have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration.”
ICANN says the decision will change the way people find information on the Internet and how businesses plan and structure their online presence.
Unleash imagination
“ICANN has opened the Internet's naming system to unleash the global human imagination,” says president and CEO of ICANN Rod Beckstrom.
“Today's decision respects the rights of groups to create new top-level domains in any language or script. We hope this allows the domain name system to better serve all of mankind.”
A statement from ICANN says that the board vote was 13 approving, one opposed and two abstaining.
“The decision to proceed with the gTLD program follows many years of discussion, debate and deliberation with the Internet community, business groups and governments,” says ICANN.
“Strong efforts were made to address the concerns of all interested parties, and to ensure that the security, stability and resiliency of the Internet are not compromised.”
ICANN will begin a four-month global campaign to tell the world about this dramatic change and raise awareness about the opportunities the new gTLDs will allow.
Careful control
Earlier this year, ICANN approved the .xxx domain, following much controversy. The domain for pornographic content has, however, yet to gain significant support, with marketers and companies preferring the generic .com label.
Applications for new gTLDs will be accepted from 12 January 2012 to 12 April 2012. The application process will, however, be carefully controlled and monitored, with a hefty price tag on applications.
Reports say it will cost $185 000 just to apply, and certain criteria have to be met before the domain name is approved. The fee is expected to limit the risk of opportunistic applicants seeking to “squat” on domain names and resell them for profit.
According to reports, some entrepreneurs are already brainstorming sites such as whatsfor.dinner and iwant.beer.
Apple, BMW and Toyota are also expected to be some of the first major companies to launch Web sites with their own domain names.
The current version of the gTLD Applicant Guidebook is available on the ICANN Web site.
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