On November 1st, 2008 ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) will meet in Cairo, Egypt to discuss the introduction of new top level domain names (gTLDs). The proposal calls for the adoption of new gTLDs to facilitate choice and competition in the domain name registration services, including include the introduction of new geographic designations such as city name extensions (for example .berlin and .paris). These new designations would require supporting documentation for registration but anyone can apply.
“ICANN's goal is to give end-users more choice in their presence on the internet and stimulate competition,” said Darin M. Klemchuk. However, critics have compared the introduction of new domains with the printing of money: the value of your current registration is decreased because of possible brand dilution and public confusion, while the cost of protecting one's brand increases. Read the full article here.Source: ITNewsAfrica Article - DomainNews.com on October 3rd, 2008 - Posted by Roland G. Buck - Chief Editor