ICANN hits out at unofficial domain names from New.net

The demand for new domain name extensions led a number of businesses to sell unofficial names. These names are not immediately accessible to all internet users, unlike .com names. Instead, users normally have to download a plug-in, a piece of software that redirects the user’s internet browser when an extension such as .shop is entered. Several businesses compete in this market, the most dominant being New.net, which secured deals with major ISPs meaning that customers of these ISPs do not need to download the plug-in to access sites with its 20 new extensions, including .travel, .xxx and .law.

At its quarterly meeting in Stockholm which began today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (better known as ICANN) is reviewing its own newly authorised domain names. ICANN’s president, M Stuart Lynn called for members of the global community to forego the ”illusory short-term advantages” of the unofficial domain name services in favour of long term stability. New.net has itself issued a paper addressing competition in the domain name industry and criticising the current ICANN system as being detrimental to internet users.

There are three main risks for business like New.net. First, that the names never catch on. Second, that a competing unofficial body offers the same extensions and wins more users of its plug-in. Finally, that ICANN authorises any of the extensions, which will give everyone access to the names and possibly make useless the unofficial names, many of which will be duplicated.