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A '''Generic top-level domain''' ('''gTLD''') is an internet domain name extension with three or more characters. It is one of the categories of the top level domain ([[TLD]]) in the Domain Name System ([[DNS]]) maintained by the [[IANA|Internet Assigned Numbers Authority]]. There are currently 21 gTLDs in the [[Root Zone|root zone]] of the Internet and they are categorized as:
A '''Generic Top Level Domain''' ('''gTLD''') is an internet domain name extension with three or more characters. It is one of the categories of the top level domain ([[TLD]]) in the Domain Name System ([[DNS]]) maintained by the [[IANA|Internet Assigned Numbers Authority]]. There are currently 21 gTLDs in the [[Root Zone|root zone]] of the Internet and they are categorized as:
* '''generic''' ([[.com]], [[.info]], [[.net]], [[.org]]), which can be used for general purposes;
* '''generic''' ([[.com]], [[.info]], [[.net]], [[.org]]), which can be used for general purposes;
* '''sponsored''' ([[.aero]], [[.asia]], [[.cat]], [[.coop]], [[.edu]], [[.gov]], [[.int]], [[.jobs]], [[.mil]], [[.mobi]], [[.tel]], [[.travel]], and [[.xxx]]), which can only be used by entities engaged within the specific industry;
* '''sponsored''' ([[.aero]], [[.asia]], [[.cat]], [[.coop]], [[.edu]], [[.gov]], [[.int]], [[.jobs]], [[.mil]], [[.mobi]], [[.tel]], [[.travel]], and [[.xxx]]), which can only be used by entities engaged within the specific industry;
* '''infrastructure''' ([[.arpa]]), which is exclusively used to support operationally-critical infrastructural identifier spaces and it is operated by IANA.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/# IANA Root Zone Data Base]</ref>
* '''infrastructure''' ([[.arpa]]), which is exclusively used to support operationally-critical infrastructural identifier spaces and it is operated by IANA.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/# IANA Root Zone Data Base]</ref>
The gTLDs are managed and operated either by their sponsoring organization and or a registry operator approved by [[ICANN]].
The gTLDs are managed and operated by their sponsoring organization and/or a registry operator approved by [[ICANN]].
==Background==
==Background==
* [[.post]] - [[Universal Postal Union]] - Registry Agreement signed Decemebr 11, 2009 <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/agreements/post/ .POST Sponsored TLD Agreement]</ref>
* [[.post]] - [[Universal Postal Union]] - Registry Agreement signed Decemebr 11, 2009 <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/agreements/post/ .POST Sponsored TLD Agreement]</ref>
* [[.xxx]] - [[ICM Registry]] - Registry Agreement signed March 31, 2011 <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/agreements/xxx/ .XXX Registry Agreement]</ref>
* [[.xxx]] - [[ICM Registry]] - Registry Agreement signed March 31, 2011 <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/tlds/agreements/xxx/ .XXX Registry Agreement]</ref>
====Senate Hearing on New gTLD Program====
On December 8, 2012, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation conducted a full committee hearing to evaluate the value and effects of the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD expansion program]] as well as ICANN's efforts in resolving the concerns raised by the Internet community. Witnesses present during the committee hearings included:
<ref>[http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=22f4a71e-93e9-4711-acec-3ed7f52277cc&ContentType_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a-9d35-56cc7152a7ed&Group_id=b06c39af-e033-4cba-9221-de668ca1978a Hearings-ICANN's Expansion of Top Level Domains-Dec. 8, 2012]. U.S. Senate. Published 2012 December 8.</ref>
* [[Angela Williams]], Senior Vice President and General Counsel-YMCA USA
* [[Dan Jaffe]], Executive Vice President, Government Relations, [[ANA]]-[[CRIDO]]
* [[Esther Dyson]], former ICANN chair /Independent Angel Investor
* [[Fiona Alexander]], Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, [[NTIA]]-[[DOC]]
* [[Kurt Pritz]], ICANN Senior Vice President
====Witnesses' Testimonies====
[[Angela Williams]] represented the concerns of the members of [[ICANN]]'s [[NPOC|Not-for-Profit Operational Concerns Constituency]] (NPOC) during the Senate hearing. In her testimony, she raised budgetary, public confusion, and [[cybersquatting]] issues. According to her, the increased risk of public confusion compromises Internet security. She also noted that it would be more expensive for not-for-profit organizations to protect their brand names/trademarks against fraud, [[cybersquatting]] and trademark infringement. She also pointed out that not-for-profit-organizations cannot afford the amount of money needed to become a domain name registry to ensure brand protection. Williams encouraged [[ICANN]] to consider the concerns of the members of the NPOC. She also recommended that verified not-for-profit organizations be allowed to exempt their trademarks from any new TLD applicant at no cost or at a drastically reduced fee.<ref>[http://commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=56a49ede-865f-4bbe-9635-58d0b59add7b Testimony of Angela F. Williams, Senate Hearing, Dec. 8, 2012]. U.S. Senate. Published 2012 December 8.</ref>
During the hearing, [[Dan Jaffe]] testified that the new gTLD program is "bad for consumers, marketers and the entire online marketplace" and enumerated different reasons why it is necessary to the stop its implementation. According to him, there is no substantial evidence that the new gTLD program will promote competition, relieve the scarcity of domain name space and support differentiated services and new products. He also cited that the new gTLD program has a serious economic impact. Brand owners might be compelled to file for [[Defensive Registration|defensive registrations]] to protect their trademarks or [[Intellectual Property|intellectual property]] rights. There is a possibility of misappropriation of intellectual property rights, domain navigation dilution, increased risk of cybersquatting, reduced investments from intellectual property owners, and losses from failed TLDs. Jaffe supported his claims using the “Economic Considerations in the Expansion of Generic TopLevel Domain Names, Phase II Report: Case Studies,” a study commissioned by ICANN in December, 2010. In addition, he also emphasized that the new gTLD programs lacks consensus and ICANN failed to meet its "bottom-up, consensus-driven approach to policy development." Furthermore, he pointed out that the application fee is too expensive and harmful for brand owners and he also raised the concerns regarding the organization's conflict of interest policies after [[Peter Dengate Thrush]] decided to join [[Minds + Machines]] as Executive Chairman immediately after his term as chairman of ICANN. Thrush strongly advocated approval of the new gTLD program.<ref>
[http://commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=8c7e6c3b-a6b8-41a9-b59a-681dd278249f Testimony of Daniel L. Jaffe, Hearing on ICANN’s Expansion of Top Level Domains, Dec. 8, 2012]. U.S. Senate. Published 2012 December 8.</ref>
[[Esther Dyson]] testified that the new gTLD program is not necessary to promote innovation. She said, ''"The rationale is that there's a shortage of domain names... but actually, there's a shortage of space in people's heads."'' She recommended for ICANN to conduct further consultation regarding the program and make a broader public outreach. She concluded her testimony with the saying, ''"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"''<ref>
[http://commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=c81ce454-f519-4373-a51d-234c61755e39 Testimony of Esther Dyson, Hearing on ICANN's Expansion of Top Level Domains, Dec. 8, 2011]. U.S. Senate. Published 2011 December 8.</ref>
As representative of the U.S. [[NTIA]], [[Fiona Alexander]] informed the members of the Senate Committee that the agency is part of the [[Governmental Advisory Committee]] (GAC), which is actively involved in the policy development process within ICANN. She testified that the NTIA and its counterparts within the GAC provided consensus advice to ICANN during the policy development process for the new gTLD program for six years. She emphasized that the GAC developed a "scorecard" to address the different issues raised by governments, which include:
* objection procedures for governments
* procedures for the review of sensitive strings
* root zone scaling
* market and economic impacts
* registry-registrar separation
* protection of trademark rights and other intellectual property
* consumer protection issues
* post-delegation disputes with governments
* use and protection of geographic names
* legal recourse for applicants
* opportunities for stakeholders from developing countries
* law enforcement due diligence recommendations
* early warning mechanism for applicants to identify if a proposed string would raise controversies or sensitivities
Ms. Alexander strongly emphasized NTIA's support of ICANN's [[Multistakeholder Model|multistakeholder model]] of internet governance and dedication to maintaining the open Internet to promote economic growth, innovation and the free flow of information, products and services online.<ref>[http://commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=98c38242-c53f-438a-bb53-2d986e4bf168 Testimony of Fiona M. Alexander, Hearing on ICANN’s Expansion of Top Level Domains, Dec. 8, 2011]. U.S. Senate. Published 2011 December 8.</ref>
[[Kurt Pritz]] testified to the Senate committee that the introduction of new gTLDs has been one of the mandates of the Internet governing body since its establishment. Pritz pointed out that the new gTLD program was developed through the multistakeholder process; global internet stakeholders including brand and trade mark owners, domain name registries, registrars, registrants, governments, law enforcement agencies, governments, not-for-profit organizations, etc. participated in the policy development and implementation program for new gTLDs. He also emphasized the provisions in the Applicant Guidebook regarding new trademark protections such as the [[URS|Uniform Rapid Suspension]] (URS) and the [[Trademark Clearing House]], measures to mitigate malicious conduct, create objection processes, maintain [[DNSSEC|DNS Security]] (DNSSEC) and other relevant issues. He concluded his testimony by reiterating that the "ICANN community worked tirelessly to create the new gTLD program to promote competition and innovation..."<ref>
[http://commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=456113a0-c084-43d7-a1b8-979524fd74cf Testimony of Kurt Pritz, Hearing on Expansion of Top Level Domain Names, Dec. 8, 2012]</ref> <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/correspondence/pritz-to-boxer-cantwell-et-al-25jan12-en.pdf Sen. Barbara Boxer to Kurt Pritz, Questions for the Record,ICANN’s Expansion of Top Level Domain Names, Dec. 8, 2011]. U.S. Senate. Published 2011 December 8.</ref>
====ICANN's Answers to the Senate Committee====
On Janury 25, 2012, Pritz answered the questions sent by members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation regarding the new gTLD expansion program. The questions were asked by Senators Barbara Boxer, Maria Cantwell, Claire McCaskill, Olympia Snowe and Mark Warner on January 8. The questions of the legislators were centered on the following issues:<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/correspondence/pritz-to-boxer-cantwell-et-al-25jan12-en.pdf Pritz to Boxer]. Published 2012 January 25.</ref>
* '''Intellectual Property Rights'''- In order to avoid consumer confusion and or violations of intellectual property rights, Pritz explained that the new gTLD program has mandatory intellectual property rights protection mechanisms for both first and second level domain names. He also added that strict reviews will be implemented and it will reject the applications of entities with a history of cybersquatting. In addition, the public and the various constituencies of ICANN will have the opportunity to review and raise their concerns regarding the proposed new gTLD strings. Pritz also enumerated the four available objection processes, which include:
# '''String Confusion Objection'''- the proposed new gTLD is confusingly similar to an existing or to another applied for gTLD string.
# '''Legal Rights Objection'''- the gTLD string being applied for infringes the existing legal rights of the objector.
# '''Limited Public Interest Objection'''- the proposed new gTLD string contradicts the generally accepted legal norms of morality and public order that are recognized under the principles of international law.
# '''Community Objection'''- a significant number of the target community is opposed to the new gTLD string being applied for.
Any objections should be filed to one of the three independent dispute resolution providers approved by ICANN, including the [[ICDR|International Centre for Dispute Resolution]] (string confusion objections), [[WIPO]] Arbitration and Mediation Center (legal rights objections), and the [[ICC|International Chamber of Commerce-International Center of Expertise]] (limited public interest and community objections). Moreover, Pritz also emphasized the appointment of an [[Independent Objector]], whose responsibility will be to review applications on behalf of the public interest and to file an objection if necessary.
* '''Sunrise Period'''- Pritz informed the members of the committee that a Sunrise Period is mandated for all approved new gTLDs. The [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] will serve as a central repository of trademark rights information to be authenticated, stored and disseminated. All trademark holders will have the chance to record all their nationally and multi-nationally registered word marks from all jurisdictions. All the authenticated trademark rights data in the Trademark Clearinghouse will be used to protect those related domains during the pre-launch of the Sunrise Period and the Trademark claims services.
* '''DNS Security ([[DNSSEC]])'''- Pritz confirmed that all new gTLD applicants are required to implement DNSSEC. He also informed them that 82% of existing TLD registries have already deployed DNSSEC to ensure the security and stability of the DNS.
* '''Crackdown on Rogue Websites'''- The new gTLD program is designed to prevent illegal activities and to easily remove malicious conduct through increased accessibility of information by law enforcement agencies. A [[Whois#Thick_Whois|Thick Whois]] data system will be implemented to allow faster search capabilities and to efficiently combat rogue websites. ICANN will also implement background checks on applicants and will review their history of bad faith or reckless disregard of anti-cybersquatting law.
* '''Estimated Number of New gTLDs to be Created'''- Pritz explained that based on the Root Server Stability experts advise, ICANN is committed and limited to add 1,000 new gTLD to the root zone in one year.
* '''Plans on Excess Revenue from new gTLDs'''- ICANN is committed to using any excess funds to promote its non-profit missions for the benefit of the Internet community, such as the creation of a registry continuity fund for the protection of registrants, or establishment of a security fund to expand the use of secure protocols, support standards development organizations and other projects in accordance with the internet governing body's security and stability mission. Prits also emphasized that ICANN's budget is utilized in a transparent manner. The use of excess funds are subject to community discussions and consultations.
* '''Concerns Raised by [[ANA]] and other parties'''- Pritz explained that the new gTLD program was developed for more than six years with input from 10 or more experts and community working groups under the multistakeholder process. He pointed out that significant protection mechanisms were created to ensure protections for intellectual property rights, registry failures, etc. He also pointed out that all concerns raised by ANA and other parties were accepted, considered and responded to. He also reiterated that in the multistakeholder process not everyone will be satisfied with the result. He quoted NTIA Assitant Secretary [[Lawrence Strickling|Larry Strickling]]'s statement that ''"it is critical to respect the process and the outcome reached"''.
* '''Harm of Delaying the new gTLD program Implementation'''- According to Pritz, if the new gTLD program implementation were to be delayed it will upset the multistakeholder process, which was designed by the United States government to ensure the openness of the internet.
* '''[[FCC]] Concern on Rapid Exponential Expansion of new gTLDs'''- According to Pritz, the approved new gTLDs will be introduced in a measured and limited manner. No new gTLD will be operational before 2013 and the introduction will be distributed over time.
* '''Recommendations of Law Enforcement Agencies'''- Pritz emphasized that ICANN is actively working to address the 12 recommendations of law enforcement agencies. ICANN is negotiating with registrars to amend an strengthen the [[Registrar Accreditation Agreement]] (RAA) to meet the recommendations before 2013.
* '''Registry Failure'''- One of the safeguards implemented by ICANN for the new gTLD program is the availability of an Emergency Back End Registry Provider in case of registry failure.
* '''United Nations Model on Internet Governance and its Impact'''- Pritz emphasized that the ICANN multistakeholder model is not perfect but ''"it has shown to be a powerful, dynamic model that is capable of reaching consensus positions on extremely difficult issues. A UN model will push the stakeholders outside the government to an inconsequential role." He also reiterated the statements of Sec. Strickling and Ambassador David Gross that abandoning the multistakeholder model will cause negative impact to the Internet and its governance, and he said that an ''"internet constrained by an international treaty will stifle the innovators and entrepreneurs who are responsible for its awesome growth."''
* '''Internet Growth and DNS Expansion'''- Pritz affirmed that the internet and the DNS will continue to grow. ICANN is committed to carrying out its mandates- to promote competition in the DNS while protecting vital information as well as business and consumer interests.
* '''Status of [[IPv6]] Migration'''- Pritz explained that the [[IPv4]] and IPv6 protocols will be running side by side for years to come. Over 7,500 IPv6 had been allocated to network operators around the globe by the end of September 2011.
In early November 2012, Chehadé invited a group of business, IP, and noncommercial users, along with registrar and registry stakeholder groups, to discuss Clearinghouse-related issues. Resolutions and decisions for ICANN include<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2012/11/building-a-secure-and-reliable-trademark-clearinghouse/ Building a Secure and Reliable Trademark Clearinghouse]. ICANN Blog. Published 2012 November 7. Retrieved 2012 November 13.</ref>:
* Registration: How registration recording and verification are addressed
# Agreeing to map out trademark submission and verification components
# Developing a new system to offer timely and accurate information on new gTLD launches
# Implementing seminars between implementers and various users
* Sunrise Management: How to use Sunrise data files and offer flexibility for rights holders
# Offering model in which Clearinghouse data can be provided securely to rights holders for early sunrise registration
# Giving details on the degree of "matching" between a Clearinghouse record and a domain name's [[Whois]] data.
* Claims Management: How new gTLDs registries and registrars will facilitate Clearinghouse records during the registration process
# Agreeing to hybrid system of decentralized and centralized system for Trademark Claims
# Offering trademark claims service for at least first 60 days of general registration and all new gTLD registries must offer a minimum 30-day sunrise period
# Decided not to implement measures to address the potential mining of the Clearinghouse database for purposes not related to rights protection, on the basis that most controls would be ineffective
==Third Round: New gTLD Program==
==Third Round: New gTLD Program==
: ''Main Article: [[New gTLD Program]]''
: ''Main Article: [[New gTLD Program]]''
After the results of the 2000 and 2003 expansion of new gTLDs, a [[PDP|Policy Development Process]] in connection with the introduction of new gTLDs was developed by the [[Generic Names Supporting Organization]] (GNSO), which lasted from 2005 until 2007. During this Policy Development Process, the GNSO conducted extensive and detailed consultations with all constituencies within the ICANN global internet community. In 2008, 19 Specific Policy Recommendations were adopted by the ICANN Board for the implementation of new gTLDs, which describe the specifics of allocation and the contractual conditions. ICANN involved the global internet community in an open, inclusive and transparent implementation process to comment, review and provide their input toward creating the Applicant Guidebook for New gTLDs. The protection of intellectual property, community interests, consumer protection, and DNS stability were addressed during the process. Different versions and multiple drafts of the Applicant Guidebook were released in 2008. By June 2011, the ICANN Board launched the New gTLD Program, at the same time approving the [[New gTLD Applicant Guidebook]].<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/about/program About the New gTLD Program]</ref>
After the results of the 2000 and 2003 expansion of new gTLDs, a [[PDP|Policy Development Process]] in connection with the introduction of new gTLDs was developed by the [[Generic Names Supporting Organization]] (GNSO), which lasted from 2005 until 2007. During this Policy Development Process, the GNSO conducted extensive and detailed consultations with all constituencies within the ICANN global internet community. In 2008, 19 Specific Policy Recommendations were adopted by the ICANN Board for the implementation of new gTLDs, which describe the specifics of allocation and the contractual conditions. ICANN involved the global internet community in an open, inclusive and transparent implementation process to comment, review and provide their input toward creating the Applicant Guidebook for New gTLDs. The protection of intellectual property, community interests, consumer protection, and DNS stability were addressed during the process. Different versions and multiple drafts of the Applicant Guidebook were released in 2008. By June 2011, the ICANN Board launched the New gTLD Program, at the same time approving the [[Applicant Guidebook|New gTLD Applicant Guidebook]].<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/about/program About the New gTLD Program]</ref>
==Closed Generic Strings==
==Closed Generic Strings==
{{reflist}}</div>
{{reflist}}</div>
[[Category: Glossary]]
[[Category:New gTLD Program]]
[[Category: Acronym]]
[[Category:TLD]]