ICANN to Expand Top Level Internet Domains Despite Critics

Reuters: Despite pressure from governments and business groups, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is pushing ahead with its plan to add more top-level domains. Beginning January 12, the independent organization will begin accepting applications from those who want to enable Internet addresses that end in something other than .com, .net, .org or one of the other previously approved domains. ICANN has not said how long the approval process will take, but has promised to “go slow.”

Many businesses have expressed concern that a new flood of top-level domains will make it difficult for them to protect their brand names. However, some observers say the $185,000 cost for applying for a new top-level domain will deter bad registry owners.