Top-level domain names could be opened up

Category: Internet Technology

June 25th 08, 09:00

Internet regulators will vote on Thursday over whether the strict rules governing the naming of websites should be made more flexible.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) is to determine this week whether domain names such as .love, .hate or .city can be lodged by companies or individuals.

Currently, domain names are restricted to .com, national names such as .co.uk or terms indicating organisations such as .org.

If the new developments are sanctioned, a new .xxx domain name could be launched and the process could be internationalised.

"Like the United States in the 19th Century, we are in the process of opening up new real estate, new land, and people will go out and claim parts of that land and use it for various reasons they have," Paul Twomey, president of Icann, told the BBC.

Formed in 1998, Icann is responsible for coordinating the naming system on the web and is a not-for-profit organisation.

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