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An '''IDN''' ('''Internationalized Domain Name''') is an Internet domain name that uses the latest [[ICANN]] protocols and standards to support domain names written in multiple scripts and languages (non-ASCII characters). They allow users to navigate the Internet without using English, which was long considered the default Internet language despite the Internet's growing base of international users. The first IDNs were implemented into [[Root Zone|the root]] in April, 2010; it is estimated that 60% of users now access the Internet in their native, non-English language.<ref>[http://mobile.ictqatar.qa/sites/default/files/documents/IDN_IGF_2011.pdf IDN IGF, ictqatar.qa]</ref>

An '''Internationalized Domain Name (IDN)''' is an Internet domain name that uses the latest [[ICANN]] protocols and standards to support domain names written in multiple scripts and languages (non-ASCII characters). They allow users to navigate the Internet without using English, which was long considered the default Internet language despite the Internet's growing base of international users. The first IDNs were implemented into [[Root Zone|the root]] in April, 2010; it is estimated that 60% of users now access the Internet in their native, non-English language.<ref>[http://mobile.ictqatar.qa/sites/default/files/documents/IDN_IGF_2011.pdf IDN IGF, ictqatar.qa]</ref> Since the development of initial guidelines, ICANN has adhered to the protocols and standards proposed by RFCs 3490, 3491, and 3492.<ref name="guidelines">[https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/idn-guidelines-2003-06-20-en ICANN.org - IDN Guidelines], June 20, 2003</ref> <ref>See [https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc3490.txt RFC 3490] for an overview of IDN technical requirements</ref>

IDN can also be perceived as the label displayed in a software application, in an alphabet or language-specific script. IDNs are stored in the [[DNS]] as ASCII strings. The DNS performs look-up services to ensure the translation of user-friendly names to locate the Internet resources, and it is restricted to using [[ASCII]] characters for acceptable domains. IDNs ensure the names written by means of non-ASCII scripts are translated into ASCII text compatible with the [[DNS]].

IDNs are specialized labels displayed in a software application in a non-Latin alphabet or language-specific script. IDNs are stored in the [[DNS]] as ASCII strings. The DNS performs look-up services to ensure the translation of user-friendly names to locate the Internet resources, and it is restricted to using [[ASCII]] characters for acceptable domains. The "nameprep" protocol ensures the names written by means of non-ASCII scripts are translated into ASCII text compatible with the [[DNS]].<ref>This translation process is described in part by [https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc3491.txt RFC 3491]</ref>

The syntax designed for the use of the IDN is known as "Punycode." The non-ASCII characters are transformed into a specific format containing only ASCII characters and then a unique identification is processed for the domain name. <ref>[http://www.quackit.com/domain-names/internationalized_domain_names.cfm Registering IDNs]</ref>

The syntax designed for the use of the IDN is known as "[[Punycode]]."<ref>[See [https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc3492.txt RFC 3492] for a technical discussion of Punycode. The non-ASCII characters are transformed into a specific format containing only ASCII characters and then a unique identification is processed for the domain name. <ref>[http://www.quackit.com/domain-names/internationalized_domain_names.cfm Registering IDNs]</ref>

In order to see and use the characters found in IDNs various changes and specific settings may need to be manipulated within the Web browser, or the installation of foreign language packs may be required.

In order to see and use the characters found in IDNs, various changes and specific settings may need to be manipulated within the web browser, or the installation of foreign language packs may be required.

<big>'''[[New gTLD IDN Applications|See all Applications for New IDN TLDs]]'''</big>

<big>'''[[New gTLD IDN Applications|See all Applications for New IDN TLDs]]'''</big>