The process for the introduction of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) is central to fostering choice and competition in domain registration services, and as such is significant to the promotion of ICANN’s core values. The evolution of the namespace toward enhanced diversity of services and service providers must be planned and managed effectively to preserve the security, stability, reliability, and global interoperability of the Internet.
The proposed policy to guide the introduction of new gTLDs was created by the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) through its bottom-up, multi-stakeholder policy development process. The questions addressed in the development of new gTLD policy involve technical, economic, operational, legal, public policy, and other considerations. The intended result is a straightforward, fair, and efficient process for allocating new gTLDs.
ICANN is now at a transition point, moving from completion of policy development work to a focus on implementation plans, and will be able to proceed to full implementation pending approval of a set of GNSO recommendations by the ICANN Board of Directors. This page is intended to be a central location for resources relating to new gTLDs. As this transition from policy to implementation moves forward, this page will present up-to-date information. Suggestions for other resources and information to be included on this page can be submitted to [email protected].
Policy development updates:
The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) completed its policy development work on new gTLD and approved a set of recommendations, by a supermajority vote, at its meeting on 6 September 2007.
The ICANN Board of Directors will consider the GNSO’s recommendations following a review and discussion of the implementation issues analysis report by staff (see, http://www.icann.org/minutes/resolutions-02nov07.htm#_Toc89933880).
The Board is expected to consider the policy recommendation in early 2008, meanwhile ICANN staff continues to work on implementation of the recommendations and operational readiness.
Program implementation development updates:
ICANN has made considerable progress in developing potential implementation models of the GNSO Policy recommendations for the introduction of New gTLDs.
- ICANN has retained Deloitte Audit & Enterprise Risk Services from Belgium and Interisle Consulting Group from the United States to develop in detail important portions of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the new gTLD process. These parties have begun work (at ICANN direction and using product developed by staff to date) on technical and business criteria, criteria for resolving confusing similarity, and development of a comparative evaluation process. (ICANN issued a Statement of Work on 6 September 2007 and received eleven expressions of interest and seven proposals from candidates in Australia, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and the United States.
- Draft standards and procedures have been developed for policy recommendations relating to resolving dispute arising from objections to proposed TLDs based on morality or public order , and legal rights of others. ICANN has engaged counsel from numerous international jurisdictions to inform the development of standards that could be applied to the GNSO recommendations and used by the Dispute Resolution Service Provider(s). It is anticipated that standards and procedures will be finalized in coordination with the selected Dispute Resolution Service Provider(s). (See ICANN’s call for expressions of interest from Dispute Resolution Provider(s) [PDF, 25K]
- ICANN staff has created the draft requirements document describing the program interface that will be developed in the coming months. The program interface is the web-based system to be used to receive and manage incoming applications.
- Collaboration on the global communications plan and strategy continues within cross-functional teams at ICANN. A draft communications plan to address GNSO implementation advice has been completed.
- ICANN has developed a draft position paper regarding the policy recommendation concerning DNS stability. ICANN expects to post the paper for public comment early 2008.
Events
Upcoming
Recent
Los Angeles Meeting GNSO Workshop on New gTLDs
Policy Development
1. Policy work on New gTLDs
2. Final Report on the Introduction of New gTLDs: Part A & Part B
3. Summary of the GNSO’s recommendations (Los Angeles Meeting Workshop)
