ARTICLE · 05 AUGUST 2013

www.Domain-Name.Revolution?

RWK Goodman

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In 2011, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers programme to permit the introduction of new top level domains on the internet.

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In 2011, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN, the professional body for domain name registration) launched the new generic top level domain (gTLD) programme to permit the introduction of new top level domains on the internet. The move, which has attracted much publicity, will allow web addresses to end in a whole range of new domains (such as .app, .sport, .accountant) beyond the likes of .com, .co.uk and .net.

The application window opened in early 2012 and ICANN has revealed that over 1,900 applications have been received for new gTLDs to become available subject to an initial evaluation of their suitability. Most of the new gTLDs are anticipated to go live towards the end of this year but some may be launched within the next few months.

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