This week (21 October) ICANN announced they have cleared the first four gTLDs to proceed to delegation. These four gTLDs are all internationalised domain names and it’s the first time non-Latin characters can be used in a generic TLD. It is possible these gTLDs will be live as soon as the end of October.These first new gTLDs, or strings, are:
- شبكة (xn--ngbc5azd) – the Arabic word for “Web” or “Network” – Registry : International Domain Registry Pty. Ltd
- онлайн (xn--80asehdb) – Russian for “Online” – Registry: Core Association
- сайт (xn--80aswg) – Russian for “Web site” – Registry: Core Association
- 游戏 (xn--unup4y) – Chinese for “Game” – Registry: Spring Fields, LLC
The first gTLDs being IDNs was planned and ICANN describes the move as “an effort to create a more inclusive internet.” IDNs are currently only available as Second-Level Domains and country code Top-Level Domains.”The Registries that will operate these IDN gTLDs successfully completed a rigorous application process designed to protect the stability of the Domain Name System while introducing new gTLDs into the internet,” ICANN said in a post on their blog. Only applicants that can meet the requirements outlined in the New gTLD Applicant Guidebook will be given an opportunity to operate a gTLD. The application process includes the following phases or elements:
- Evaluation
- Resolution of Holds:
- Objections
- String Contention
- Contracting
- Pre-Delegation Testing.
According to Domain Incite, “these were also the first four to sign their registry contracts with ICANN — over three months ago — and the first to be given their name collisions mitigation plan, just a few days ago.””Proceeding to delegation means the applications are now in the hands of IANA, the ICANN department with responsibility over changes to the DNS root system. IANA has its own set of procedures to follow before delegating, which have historically taken a couple of weeks to process.”