[news release] ICANN is taking another step towards its goal of bringing new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) online with today’s launch of a public consultation on a key report from ICANN’s Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO).”This is all about providing Internet users with choice. More top-level domains – the part of the domain name that comes after the last dot – mean more competition, more options, and the possibility for more targeted or user-specific domain names,” said Dr Paul Twomey, ICANN’s President and CEO. “When coupled with ICANN’s current work on introducing internationalized domain names, it is possible that hundreds and, eventually, more than 1,000 new TLDs could be created.”The GNSO report describes proposed global policies related to the creation of new top-level domains that advance ICANN’s mission of preserving the security, stability and interoperability of the Internet.”The report raises some interesting questions – like how to deal with proposals that may be considered controversial by some groups or individuals. That’s why it’s so important that as many people as possible share their advice and help us ensure that the new gTLD process works,” added Dr Twomey.While all input is welcomed and encouraged, the consultation is looking for comments in a number of areas:

• the package of principles, proposed policy recommendations and implementation guidelines for new gTLDs,
• the selection criteria for new TLDs related to applicants, strings, and processes,
• contractual conditions for new TLD operators, and
• proposed procedures for resolving objections to strings or applicants.

The specific policy recommendations, as well as the online comment forum, and links to provide comments are available at http://icann.org/public_comment/#gtld-draft-final-report. The consultation closes at 4 pm PDT on 30 August 2007.A complete summary and analysis of community feedback will be made available at the end of the comment period, and considered by the GNSO Council prior to its vote on the report on 6 September 2007. If the Council accepts the policy recommendations, it will be then be considered by the ICANN Board.”The policy proposals laid out in the report have been generated from the ground up, and the consultation is ICANN’s opportunity to fine tune them with the help of the interested Internet community,” added Dr Twomey.