ICANN's GNSO Council to Provide Update on New gTLD Process
ICANN's Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council will be providing an update on progess towards developing a process for implementing new generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) during their teleconference on September 9th. The GNSO is a policy-development body "responsible for developing and recommending to the ICANN Board substantive policies relating to generic top-level domains."

The gTLD approval process will include "the consideration and evaluation of:

a. The potential impact of new TLDs on the Internet root server system and Internet stability;

b. The creation and implementation of selection criteria for new and existing TLD registries, including public explanation of the process, selection criteria, and the rationale for selection decisions;

c. Potential consumer benefits/costs associated with establishing a competitive environment for TLD registries; and,

d. Recommendations from expert advisory panels, bodies, agencies, or organizations regarding economic, competition, trademark, and intellectual property issues."

ICANN is required by their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Department of Commerce to have their strategy development for the new process completed by September 30th of this year and the process implemented by December 31st.

The new gTLD approval process is more than just a milestone in carrying out the MOU, it is an essential element for expanding the potential of the internet. Furthermore, the ability to sell new gTLD domains will have a direct and material affect on a number of stakeholders, including the many resellers of domain name services.