The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has announced that the first new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) from its New gTLD Program have been introduced into the Internet’s Root Zone, the central authoritative database for the Internet’s Domain Name System.
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 Internet users.
“Today marks an historic moment, not only for the New gTLD Program, but for the Internet as a whole,” wrote Akram Atallah, president of ICANN’s Generic Domains Division in a blog post. “You will soon see the Internet grow from the 22 gTLDs that we have now to more than 1400 new possibilities.”
ICANN’s New gTLD Program is responsible for the introductions of new gTLDs that will result in the expansion of the Domain Name System from 22 gTLDs (e.g., .COM, .NET, .ORG) to possibly 1,400 new names or “strings.” These additional gTLDs will enhance competition, innovation and choice in the Domain Name space, providing a wider variety of organizations, communities and brands new ways to communicate with their audiences. All Registries that operate these new gTLDs must pass a rigorous evaluation process and technical preparations and assessments. These steps help ensure the safe, secure and measured rollout of the new gTLDs.
“It’s happening – the biggest change to the Internet since its inception,” said Atallah. “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.”
