Net domains like .delhi, .love soon
The universe of .com, .org, .gov and other such generic top-level domains is set to expand. From Thursday, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) started accepting applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs).
Soon we may see domain names like .delhi, .mumbai, .hyderabad, or corporates names like .tata, .bharti or .reliance. People can also apply for their own names like .gupta, .sharma, etc. Names like .music, .food, .love and .joke, among others, will be sought after.
This process, initiated after seven years of planning, could trigger a dramatic expansion of the Internet. To prevent cybersquatters from blocking domain names, ICANN has kept the evaluation fee at a steep $185,000. There will, however, be financial assistance for organisations from developing countries.
The names of countries, capitals and other cities can only be applied for with a letter of support from the respective national governments. These applications will be received till April 12. In May, ICANN will publish a list of gTLDs received for public review. If someone has any objection to any of the gTLDs sought, on the grounds that it infringes his/her legal rights, ICANN will look into it. If there are a number of eligible applicants for a domain name, ICANN could auction it. But if one of the applicants represents a “larger community interest”, the gTLD would go to that applicant.
ICANN has asked companies and others, even those who don’t plan to apply, to be vigilant “and use the protections built ... to safeguard your brand or community”.
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