New Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs)
29 Jul 2011
Generic top level domains (gTLDs) are the last part of a domain name, such as ".com" or ".net". Currently there are 22 gTLDs that can be used worldwide. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has developed a new process to allow any organisation to introduce its own gTLD.
This means that gTLDs in the future may include:
- generic words such as '.movie' or '.credit'
- brand names
- place names
- trade marks.
New gTLD applications will be published on the ICANN website for a set period to allow other people to object. Successful applicants will then operate a registry for domain names under that new gTLD. ICANN have published an Applicant Guidebook which includes procedures intended to assist trade mark owners to protect their rights under the new system.
For more information please go to ICANN's New gTLD Program or go to the Internet Governance page available from the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
If you have any questions or comments please send an email to newgTLDs@DBCDE.gov.au.
Last Updated: 29/11/2012
