Changes

The '''String Similarity Panel''', also known as '''String Similarity Examiners''', are responsible for determining if there are any similar gTLD strings that will likely and significantly  confuse Internet users. The panel will compare [[new gTLD Program|new gTLD strings]] with any reserved name, existing TLD, requested [[IDN]] [[ccTLD]], and other new gTLD string proposals. It will also examine the IDN tables submitted by applicants. String similarity evaluations is done during the initial evaluation phase of the new gTLD application review process.<ref>[http://www.new-gtld.ch/faq.php What are the evaluation panels?]</ref> TLD applications deemed similar will be put in contention sets, while those that are deemed too similar to existing TLDs will be eliminated from consideration without any recourse or remediation possible.

The '''String Similarity Panel''', also known as '''String Similarity Examiners''', are responsible for determining if there are any similar gTLD strings that will likely and significantly  confuse Internet users. The panel will compare [[new gTLD Program|new gTLD strings]] with any reserved name, existing TLD, requested [[IDN]] [[ccTLD]], and other new gTLD string proposals. It will also examine the IDN tables submitted by applicants. String similarity evaluations are done during the [[Initial Evaluation|initial evaluation]] phase of the new gTLD application review process.<ref>[http://www.new-gtld.ch/faq.php What are the evaluation panels?]</ref> TLD applications deemed similar to one another will be put in contention sets, while those that are deemed too similar to existing TLDs will be eliminated from consideration without any recourse or remediation possible.

On February 25, 2009, the [[ICANN Board]] issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for individuals interested in becoming string similarity examiners.<ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/eoi-string-sim-25feb09-en.pdf ICANN CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOIs) For New gTLD String Similarity Examiners]</ref> ICANN selected [[InterConnect Communications]] in partnership with the University College London to identify string similarity.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/blog/preparing-evaluators-22nov11-en Preparing Evaluators for the New gTLD Application Process]</ref>

On February 25, 2009, the [[ICANN Board]] issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for individuals interested in becoming string similarity examiners.<ref>[http://archive.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/eoi-string-sim-25feb09-en.pdf ICANN CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOIs) For New gTLD String Similarity Examiners]</ref> ICANN selected [[InterConnect Communications]] in partnership with the University College London to identify string similarity.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/blog/preparing-evaluators-22nov11-en Preparing Evaluators for the New gTLD Application Process]</ref>