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New gTLDs
It was announced that a new batching/metering system had been devised; such a system is necessary to allow ICANN to follow its mandate to not introduce more than 1,000 new gTLDs per year and to order applicants through the initial evaluation process to implementation. The last system, Digital Archery, was infamously withdrawn at ICANN 44, after technical glitches were found and the community roundly opposed the system. The new system will be a manual lottery, and given its ramifications for new gTLD applicants, may be the most widely followed ICANN decision for the coming months. As of now, the lottery is set to take place in mid-December.
The plan is currently receiving comments allowed via a 30-day comment period. ICANN CEO, Fadi Chehadé, noted that there was "a collective sigh of relief that we have a mechanism that is equitable, that is fair, that is very transparent and simple in many ways and which allows us to move forward." This plan was not considered under previous leadership, presumably because ICANN, as a non-profit incorporated in the U.S. state of California, must obtain a special permit that allows it to hold a non-profit lottery-based fundraiser. Each applicant will be issued a paper ticket, at the price of $100 per application. Each ticket will need to be physically sold to the applicant, or to an accepted representative. Should the applicant not be available, ICANN will issue a form-letter that allows ICANN to appoint a representative for the ticket purchase. ICANN is still in the process of obtaining the necessary permit.
Under the current plan, IDNs will be given priority above all other applications. In his opening remarks at ICANN 45, Fadi Chehadé called this the right thing for the public interest and called on all interested parties to support this decision.
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