The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS), is launching a program to help underserved communities play a bigger role in shaping the internet’s future.
The initiative, the Applicant Support Program (ASP), is part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round.
A gTLD is the part of a web address that comes after the dot. For example, in “icann.org,” “.org” is the gTLD. These extensions help categorise websites and make them easier to find. The New gTLD Program allows for the creation of new gTLDs, offering more diverse and representative options online.
The internet started with just a handful of TLDs, such as .com, .net, .org, and .za. The DNS has evolved to accommodate the internet’s growing complexity and its billions of users. The increased number of generic TLDs helps categorise websites and clearly communicate their purpose.
This is the first opportunity since 2012 to secure a new gTLD. The ASP ensures that organisations with limited resources can also participate in and benefit from this expansion of the internet’s address system. ICANN recognises that applying for a new gTLD can be complex and expensive.
Through the ASP, eligible applicants can receive valuable support, including free expert services, training, and a substantial reduction (75-85%) in evaluation fees, making the dream of operating a gTLD a reality.
Pierre Dandjinou, vice-president: stakeholder engagement: Africa at ICANN, says: “The New gTLD Program: Next Round empowers businesses, communities, and individuals to create online spaces that reflect their unique identities, languages, and cultures. This program reinforces ICANN’s commitment to fostering innovation, competition, and consumer choice within the domain name industry.
“The Applicant Support Program further strengthens this commitment by empowering more entrepreneurs, small businesses, governments, and communities worldwide to apply for and operate their own generic top-level domains.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet financial need and financial viability criteria, and fall into at least one of the following entity categories:
- Nonprofits, charities, or equivalent
- Intergovernmental organisations (IGOs)
- Indigenous/tribal peoples’ organisations
- Social impact or public benefit micro or small businesses
- Micro or small businesses from a less-developed economy
To learn more about the ASP, including eligibility and submission requirements, visit https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/asp.