ICANN has introduced the first four new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) from its New gTLD Program into the Internet’s Root Zone, the central authoritative database for the DNS. The introductions of new gTLDs will result in the expansion of the DNS from 22 gTLDs (e.g., .COM, .NET, .ORG) to possibly 1,400 new names or ‘strings’.
As a result, the domain name Registries, the organizations approved to operate these and other soon-to-be-delegated gTLDs, can execute the final processes required to make their domain names available to web hosting users.
The newly delegated gTLDs are in Arabic, Chinese and Cyrillic scripts. They are the first of many gTLDs in various non-Latin scripts such as Arabic, Chinese, Greek and Hindi that will be introduced under the New gTLD Program. The delegation of non-Latin script gTLDs demonstrates ICANN’s efforts to create a globally-inclusive Internet, regardless of language or region.
The four strings delegated are:
- شبكة (xn--ngbc5azd) – Arabic for ‘web/network’ – Registry: International Domain Registry Pty. Ltd.
- онлайн (xn--80asehdb) – Cyrillic for ‘online’ – Registry: CORE Association
- сайт (xn--80aswg) – Cyrillic for ‘site’ – Registry: CORE Association
- 游戏 (xn--unup4y) – Chinese for ‘game(s)’ – Registry: Spring Fields, LLC
Before the general public will be able to access these new gTLDs on the Internet, Registries still need to complete a final process built into the New gTLD Program to protect trademark rights holders. Following this mandatory 30-day period, a Registry can make the new gTLD available to the general public at its discretion.
‘A big change to the Internet’
All Registries that operate these new gTLDs must pass a rigorous evaluation process and technical preparations and assessments. These steps would help ensure the safe, secure and measured rollout of the new gTLDs to the web hosting environment.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is convinced that these additional gTLDs will enhance competition, innovation and choice in the Domain Name space, providing a wider variety of organizations, communities and brands with new ways to communicate with their audiences.
“It’s happening, the biggest change to the Internet since its inception,” said Akram Atallah, president of ICANN’s Generic Domains Division. “In the weeks and months ahead, we will see new domain names coming online from all corners of the world, bringing people, communities and businesses together in ways we never imagined. It’s this type of innovation that will continue to drive our global society.
