.aol

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Status:	Proposed
Registry Provider:	Verisign
Type:	Brand TLD
Priority #:	910 - AOL Inc.

.aol is a Brand TLD being proposed in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant is AOL Inc.

Application Details

The following is excerpted from the applicant's response to question #18:

"The new .aol gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which AOL Inc. and its Affiliates (as defined in the response to Question 28) (hereafter “AOL”) can create and control domain spaces that promote its brand identity and authenticity. In this regard, the .aol will be used by AOL to provide information, services and resources to consumers in a way that promotes trust, confidence and utility. The .aol gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for AOL to connect with its users. Second and third level domains can then be utilized for marketing purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.

AOL is a leading global web services company with a network of premium and niche content sites and an extensive offering of world class tools and platforms. AOL began as Quantum Computer Services in 1985, and was subsequently renamed as America Online in 1991 and officially changed its name to AOL in 2006. AOL, a pioneer of the internet industry, launched the first instant messaging service in 1989. AOL’s business spans the internet with online and local content, innovative products and valuable services for consumers, publishers and advertisers. With one of the industry’s largest advertising networks, AOL engages consumers with online advertising services on both AOL’s owned and operated websites and third party websites. Its content sites and products allow more than 250 million visitors around the world to access its collection of journalists, artists and musicians on the web. Approximately 115 million people in US and about 250 million people worldwide interact with the AOL brands every month. AOL operates in 15 countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Israel and India and employs over 5,800 people in its offices throughout the world. Headquartered in New York, AOL is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Through innovation and creativity, AOL continuously raises the bar and sets the standard of providing high quality content over the internet. In this regard, the .aol gTLD will support AOL to achieve these standards."