ICANN's Expansion of Top Level Domains

Since its inception in 1998, ICANN [Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers] has been charged with promoting competition in the registration of domain names while ensuring the security and stability of the DNS. In 2000 and 2003, ICANN conducted a limited expansion of gTLDs [generic top-level domains]. In 2005 it initiated the process we are discussing today. After 6 years of multi-stakeholder discussion, including input from governments through the governmental advisory committee, ICANN approved the rules for the new gTLD program in the form of an applicant guidebook. Expansion of the gTLD space is expected to provide a platform for city, geographic, and internationalized domain names, among other things. This type of change to the DNS is expected to enhance consumer trust and choice and reinforce the global nature of the Internet. It is also expected that a portion of applications will either be generic words or brand- focused as part of business development, investment, and startup plans.