New top level domains
The excitement of new top-level domains (TLDs)!
In 2014, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) introduced a new program to expand the number of TLDs available on the internet. This program, called the Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program, allowed organizations and companies to apply for their own TLDs.
Here are some interesting facts about new TLDs:
- Over 1,900 applications: ICANN received over 1,900 applications for new TLDs from around the world.
- First wave of TLDs: The first wave of new TLDs was launched in 2014, with 22 TLDs going live, including.app,.blog,.cloud,.company,.design,.guru,.hotel,.kids,.menu,.music,.photo,.pics,.shop,.tech,.travel, and.website.
- Second wave of TLDs: The second wave of new TLDs was launched in 2015, with 16 TLDs going live, including.audio,.bank,.book,.city,.consulting,.credit,.data,.directory,.education,.energy,.engineering,.exchange,.finance,.firm,.gallery, and.healthcare.
- Third wave of TLDs: The third wave of new TLDs is ongoing, with new TLDs being launched regularly.
- TLD categories: New TLDs can be categorized into several types, including:
- Brand TLDs: TLDs owned by companies or organizations, such as.apple,.google, or.amazon.
- Community TLDs: TLDs created by communities or interest groups, such as.gay,.sucks, or.xxx.
- Geographic TLDs: TLDs representing geographic locations, such as.london,.paris, or.sydney.
- Sponsored TLDs: TLDs sponsored by organizations or governments, such as.asia,.cat, or.museum.
- Benefits: New TLDs offer several benefits, including:
- Increased online presence: Companies and organizations can establish a stronger online presence with their own TLD.
- Brand protection: Companies can protect their brand by registering their own TLD.
- New opportunities: New TLDs can create new opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to establish themselves online.
- Challenges: New TLDs also present some challenges, including:
- Cost: Registering a new TLD can be expensive, with prices ranging from $185,000 to $500,000 or more.
- Complexity: Managing a new TLD requires significant technical expertise and resources.
- Confusion: The introduction of new TLDs can cause confusion among internet users, particularly if they are not familiar with the new TLDs.
Overall, the introduction of new TLDs has expanded the possibilities for online identity and has created new opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to establish themselves online.