View source for Generic top-level domain

{{Short description|Top level domain without country association}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2017}}
{{Redirect|Domain extension|the mathematical concept|Extension of a function}}
{| class="wikitable"  style="width:30%; float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;"
|-
! colspan=2|Historical generic TLDs
|-
! Domain
! Intended use
|-
| <code>[[.com|com]]</code>
| Mainly for commercial entities, but unrestricted
|-
| <code>[[.org|org]]</code>
| Originally for organizations not clearly falling within the other gTLDs, now unrestricted
|-
| <code>[[.net|net]]</code>
| Originally for network infrastructures, now unrestricted
|-
| <code>[[.edu|edu]]</code>
| Educational use, but now primarily for third-level colleges and universities
|-
| <code>[[.gov|gov]]</code>
| Governmental use, but now primarily for US governmental entities and agencies
|-
| <code>[[.mil|mil]]</code>
| Military use, but now primarily for US military only
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| [[List of Internet top-level domains#ICANN-era generic top-level domains|Full list of gTLDs]]
|}
{{Internet history timeline}}

'''Generic top-level domains''' ('''gTLDs''') are one of the categories of [[top-level domain]]s (TLDs) maintained by the [[Internet Assigned Numbers Authority]] (IANA) for use in the [[Domain Name System]] of the [[Internet]]. A top-level domain is the last level of every [[fully qualified domain name]]. They are called generic for historical reasons; initially, they were contrasted with country-specific TLDs in RFC 920.

The core group of generic top-level domains consists of the <code>[[.com|com]]</code>, <code>[[.net|net]]</code>, <code>[[.org|org]]</code>, <code>[[.biz|biz]]</code>, and <code>[[.info|info]]</code> domains. In addition, the domains <code>[[.name|name]]</code> and <code>[[.pro|pro]]</code> are also considered ''generic''; however, these are designated as ''restricted'', because registrations within them require proof of eligibility within the guidelines set for each.

Historically, the group of generic top-level domains included domains created in the early development of the domain name system, that are now sponsored by designated agencies or organizations and are restricted to specific types of registrants. Thus, domains <code>[[.edu|edu]]</code>, <code>[[.gov|gov]]</code>, <code>[[.int|int]]</code>, and <code>[[.mil|mil]]</code> are now considered [[sponsored top-level domain]]s, along with other themed top-level domains like <code>[[.jobs|jobs]]</code>. The entire group of domains that do not have a geographic or country designation (see [[country-code top-level domain]]) is still often referred to by the term ''generic'' TLDs.

The number of gTLDs as of March 2018 exceeds 1,200.<ref name="newgtlds.icann.org">{{cite web|url=https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings|title=Delegated Strings|publisher=ICANN|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/viewstatus|title=New gTLD Current Application Status|publisher=ICANN|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref>

== Types ==
Overall, IANA distinguishes the following groups of top-level domains:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/ |title=Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) root database |publisher=IANA |access-date=2011-06-21}}</ref>
*[[infrastructure top-level domain]] ([[.arpa]])
*generic top-level domains (gTLD)
*restricted generic top-level domains (grTLD)
*[[sponsored top-level domain]]s (sTLD)
*[[country code top-level domain]]s (ccTLD)
*internationalized top-level domains (IDNs)
**[[internationalized country code top-level domain]]s (IDN ccTLD)
*[[.test (international domain name)|testing top-level domains]] (tTLD)

== History ==
The initial set of generic top-level domains, defined by RFC 920 in October 1984, was a set of "general purpose domains": <code>[[.com|com]]</code>, <code>[[.edu|edu]]</code>, <code>[[.gov|gov]]</code>, <code>[[.mil|mil]]</code>, <code>[[.org|org]]</code>. The <code>[[.net|net]]</code> domain was added with the first implementation of these domains. The <code>com</code>, <code>net</code>, and <code>org</code> TLDs, despite their originally specified goals, are now open to use for any purpose.

In November 1988, another TLD was introduced, <code>[[.int|int]]</code>. This TLD was introduced in response to [[NATO]]'s request for a domain name that adequately reflected its character as an international organization. It was also originally planned to be used for some Internet infrastructure databases, such as <code>ip6.int</code>, the [[IPv6]] equivalent of <code>in-addr.arpa</code>. However, in May 2000, the [[Internet Architecture Board]] proposed to exclude infrastructure databases from the <code>int</code> domain. All new databases of this type would be created in <code>[[.arpa|arpa]]</code> (a legacy domain from the conversion of ARPANET), and existing usage would move to <code>arpa</code> wherever feasible, which led to the use of <code>ip6.arpa</code> for IPv6 [[Reverse DNS lookup|reverse lookups]].

By the mid-1990s, there was discussion of the introduction of more TLDs. [[Jon Postel]], as head of [[Internet Assigned Numbers Authority|IANA]], invited applications from interested parties. In early 1995, Postel created "Draft Postel", an Internet draft containing the procedures to create new [[Domain name registry|domain name registries]] and new TLDs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Postel |first=Jon |date=1996-08-22 |title=New Registries and the Delegation of International Top Level Domains |newspaper=Ietf Datatracker |url=https://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-postel-iana-itld-admin |access-date=2011-06-21 |publisher=IETF Tools}}</ref> Draft Postel created a number of small committees to approve the new TLDs. Because of the increasing interest, a number of large organizations took over the process under the [[Internet Society]]'s umbrella. This second attempt involved setting up a temporary organization called the International Ad Hoc Committee ([[IAHC]]). On February 4, 1997, the IAHC issued a report ignoring the Draft Postel recommendations and instead recommending the introduction of seven new TLDs (<code>arts</code>, <code>firm</code>, <code>info</code>, <code>nom</code>, <code>rec</code>, <code>store</code>, and <code>web</code>). However, these proposals were abandoned after the U.S. government intervened.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}

In September 1998, the [[Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers]] (ICANN) was created to take over the task of managing domain names. After a call for proposals (August 15, 2000) and a brief period of public consultation, ICANN announced on November 16, 2000, its selection of seven new TLDs: <code>[[.aero|aero]]</code>, <code>[[.biz|biz]]</code>, <code>[[.coop|coop]]</code>, <code>[[.info|info]]</code>, <code>[[.museum|museum]]</code>, <code>[[.name|name]]</code>, <code>[[.pro|pro]]</code>.

<code>[[.biz|biz]]</code>, <code>[[.info|info]]</code>, and <code>[[.museum|museum]]</code> were activated in June 2001, <code>[[.name|name]]</code> and <code>[[.coop|coop]]</code> in January 2002, <code>[[.pro|pro]]</code> in May 2002, and <code>[[.aero|aero]]</code> later in 2002. <code>[[.pro|pro]]</code> became a gTLD in May 2002, but did not become fully operational until June 2004.

ICANN added further TLDs, starting with a set of [[sponsored top-level domain]]s. The application period for these was from December 15, 2003, to March 16, 2004; it resulted in ten applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/en/tlds/stld-apps-19mar04/ |title=TLDs &#124; sTLD Information Page |publisher=ICANN |access-date=2011-06-21}}</ref> Of these, ICANN approved <code>[[.asia|{{Not a typo|asia}}]]</code>, <code>[[.cat|cat]]</code>, <code>[[.jobs|jobs]]</code>, <code>[[.mobi|mobi]]</code>, <code>[[.tel|tel]]</code> and <code>[[.travel|travel]]</code>. In March 2011, <code>[[.xxx|xxx]]</code> was approved<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/en/minutes/prelim-report-18mar11-en.htm#5|title=ICANN Board meeting decision to approve .xxx|date=April 18, 2011 |publisher=ICANN}}</ref> (one year after an independent review found ICANN had broken its own bylaws by rejecting the application in 2007).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/en/irp/icm-v-icann/irp-panel-declaration-19feb10-en.pdf|title=Independent Review Panel judgment on .xxx|date=February 19, 2010}}</ref> Of the remaining applications (<code>[[.post|post]]</code>, <code>[[.mail|mail]]</code> and an alternative <code>tel</code> proposal), <code>[[.post|post]]</code> was introduced in 2012.

On June 26, 2008, during the 32nd International Public ICANN Meeting in Paris,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://par.icann.org/|title=32nd International Public ICANN Meeting
|date=June 22, 2008|publisher=ICANN}}</ref> ICANN started a new process of TLD naming policy to take a "significant step forward on the introduction of new generic top-level domains." This program envisioned the availability of many new or already proposed domains, as well as a new application and implementation process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm|title=New gTLDs Program|access-date=June 15, 2009|publisher=ICANN}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-4-26jun08-en.htm |title=Biggest Expansion in gTLDs Approved for Implementation |publisher=ICANN |access-date=2011-06-21}}</ref> Observers believed that the new rules could result in hundreds of new gTLDs being registered.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/86269_icann_approves_overhaul_top_level_domains/ ICANN Board Approves Sweeping Overhaul of Top-level Domains], CircleID, June 26, 2008.</ref>

=== New top-level domains ===
The introduction of several generic top-level domains over the years had not stopped the demand for more gTLDs; ICANN received many proposals for the establishment of new top-level domains.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/dnso/new-gtlds-01apr00.htm|publisher=ICANN|title=Names Council Solicitation of Comments for Consideration of New Generic Top-Level Domains|date=April 1, 2000}}</ref> Proponents argued for a variety of models, ranging from adoption of policies for unrestricted gTLDs (see above) to chartered gTLDs for specialized uses by specialized organizations.

In 2008, a new initiative foresaw a stringent application process for new domains, adhering to a restricted naming policy for ''open gTLDs'', ''community-based'' domains, and [[internationalized domain name]]s (IDNs).<ref name="guidebook">{{cite web
|url=https://archive.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/draft-rfp-24oct08-en.pdf
|title=New gTLD Program: Draft Applicant Guidebook (Draft RFP)
|publisher=ICANN|date=October 24, 2008}}</ref> According to a guidebook published by ICANN,<ref name="guidebook" /> a ''community-based gTLD'' is "a gTLD that is operated for the benefit of a defined community consisting of a restricted population." All other domains fall under the category ''open gTLD'', which "is one that can be used for any purpose consistent with the requirements of the application and evaluation criteria, and with the registry agreement. An open gTLD may or may not have a formal relationship with an exclusive registrant or user population. It may or may not employ eligibility or use restrictions."

The establishment of new gTLDs under this program required the management of registrar relationships, the operation of a [[domain registry]], and demonstration of technical (as well as financial) capacity for such operations.

A fourth version of the draft applicant guidebook (DAG4) was published in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-7-en.htm|title=May 2011 New gTLD Applicant Guidebook|publisher=Icann.org|access-date=2013-10-24}}</ref> On June 20, 2011, ICANN's board voted to end most restrictions on the creation of generic top-level domain names (gTLDs) – at which time 22 gTLDs were available.<ref name="VOA">[https://www.voanews.com/a/new-internet-name-rule-opens-door-to-huge-changes-124180874/141045.html New Internet Name Rule Opens Door to Huge Changes.] [[Voice of America]], June 20, 2011. Accessed June 20, 2011</ref><ref name="AP">[https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110620/ap_on_hi_te/as_internet_domain_names;_ylt=Arq2MV_LZjTuVPrs9JafjPJ34T0D;_ylu=X3oDMTJ0OGxxanN2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwNjIwL2FzX2ludGVybmV0X2RvbWFpbl9uYW1lcwRwb3MDNQRzZWMDeW5fYXJ0aWNsZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2ludGVybmV0bWluZA-- Internet minders OK vast expansion of domain names], [[Associated Press]], June 20, 2011. Accessed June 20, 2011</ref> Companies and organizations would be able to choose essentially arbitrary top-level Internet domains. The use of non-Latin characters (such as Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc.) would also be allowed in gTLDs. ICANN began accepting applications for new gTLDs on January 12, 2012.<ref name="VOA" /> A survey by registrar Melbourne IT considered entertainment and financial services brands most likely to apply for new gTLDs for their brands.<ref name="Managing Internet IP">[http://www.managingip.com/Article/2851692/News-In-Brief-Internet-IP/Who-will-apply-for-brand-gTLDs.html Who will apply for gTLDs], Managing Internet IP, June 21, 2011.</ref> The initial price to apply for a new gTLD was $185,000.<ref name="AP" /> ICANN expected that the first batch of new gTLDs would be operational by September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://domainincite.com/13304-the-official-unrealistic-go-live-date-for-new-gtlds-is-september-28 |title=The official (unrealistic) go-live date for new gTLDs is September 28 &#124; DomainIncite – Domain Name News & Opinion |publisher=DomainIncite |date=2013-06-06 |access-date=2013-10-24}}</ref> ICANN expected the new rules to significantly change the face of the internet. Peter Thrush, chairman of ICANN's board of directors, stated after the vote: "Today's decision will usher in a new internet age. We have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration. Unless there is a good reason to restrain it, innovation should be allowed to run free."<ref>{{cite news|author=Charles Arthur |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/jun/20/icann-domains-expansion-annnounced |title=Icann announces huge expansion of web domain names from 2012 &#124; Technology |publisher=theguardian.com |date= 20 June 2011|access-date=2013-10-24 |location=London}}</ref>
Industry analysts predicted 500–1000 new gTLDs,<ref name="AP" /> mostly reflecting names of companies and products, but also cities, and generic names like ''bank'' and ''sport''. According to Theo Hnarakis, chief executive of [[Melbourne IT]], the decision would "allow corporations to better take control of their brands. For example, ''apple'' or ''ipad'' would take customers right to those products."<ref name="AP" /> In agreement, Nick Wood, Managing Director of Valideus, suggested "Your own gTLD demonstrates confidence and vision and may accelerate your brand and its value. An internet address at the Top Level is far better than registration at the 'low rent' Second Level."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iprinfo.com/julkaisut/iprinfo-lehti/lehtiarkisto/2009/IPRinfo_2-2009/fi_FI/Dot_Confusion__ICANN_is_Planning_Hundreds_of_New_gTLDs/ |title=IPR University Center : Dot Confusion – ICANN is Planning Hundreds of New gTLDs |publisher=Iprinfo.com |access-date=2013-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195317/http://www.iprinfo.com/julkaisut/iprinfo-lehti/lehtiarkisto/2009/IPRinfo_2-2009/fi_FI/Dot_Confusion__ICANN_is_Planning_Hundreds_of_New_gTLDs/ |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, some companies, like Pepsi, ruled out a branded gTLD.<ref>{{cite news | title = Pepsi rules out .brand gTLD | date = June 21, 2011 | url = http://www.managingip.com/Article/2851739/News-In-Brief-Internet-IP/Pepsi-rules-out-brand-gTLD.html | work = Managing Internet IP | access-date = 2011-07-28 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==Popularity==
Most popular gTLDs as of 2018.

===Top TLDs===
{| class= "wikitable sortable"
|+ Top 20<ref name="ns">{{cite web |url= https://namestat.org/ |website= Name Stat |series= Top 20 |title= Biggest Selling vs Fastest Growing |access-date= Aug 3, 2018 |archive-date= April 30, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180430112923/https://namestat.org/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>
! Rank !! .[[TLD]] !! [[Domain name|Domain]] !! Change !! [[Alexa Internet|Alexa]]{{ref|xAlex|a}} !! Change
|-
| 1 || [[.top]]	|| 2,911,167	|| {{increase| 26,293 }} || 1,075 || {{increase| 24 }}
|-
| 2 || [[.loan]]	|| 2,226,603	|| {{increase| 8,129 }}	|| 85	|| {{increase| 2 }}
|-
| 3 || [[.xyz]]	|| 1,813,234	|| {{decrease| -1,803 }} || 1,845 || {{increase| 36 }}
|-
| 4 || [[.club]]	|| 1,013,411	|| {{increase| 8,228 }}	|| 1,625 || {{increase| 31 }}
|-
| 5 || [[.online]] || 782,883	|| {{increase| 859 }}	|| 1,377 || {{increase| 38 }}
|-
| 6 || [[.vip]]|| 728,011	|| {{decrease| -293 }}	|| 109	|| {{increase| 4 }}
|-
| 7 || [[.win]]	|| 602,628	|| {{decrease| -1,553 }} || 474	|| {{increase| 13 }}
|-
| 8 || [[.shop]]	|| 486,062	|| {{increase| 43 }}	|| 241	|| {{increase| 11 }}
|-
| 9 || [[.ltd]]|| 449,214	|| {{decrease| -13 }}	|| 49	|| {{increase| 2 }}
|-
| 10 || [[.men]]	|| 433,490	|| {{increase| 1,973 }}	|| 90	|| {{increase| 3 }}
|-
| 11 || [[.site]]	|| 431,844	|| {{increase| 812 }}	|| 924	|| {{increase| 25 }}
|-
| 12 || [[.work]]	|| 383,064	|| {{increase| 3,639 }}	|| 134	|| {{increase| 3 }}
|-
| 13 || [[.stream]]	|| 321,023	|| {{increase| 328 }}	|| 280	|| {{increase| 11 }}
|-
| 14 || [[.bid]]	|| 318,405	|| {{decrease| -619 }}	|| 184	|| {{increase| 4 }}
|}

===Top City TLDs===
{| class= "wikitable sortable"
|+ Top 20 Cities<ref name="ns" />
! Rank !! .[[TLD]] !! [[Domain name|Domain]] !! Change !! [[Alexa Internet|Alexa]]{{ref|xAlex|a}} !! Change
|-
|  38 || [[.tokyo]]		|| 96,888	|| {{increase| 436 }}	|| 111	|| {{increase| 2 }}
|-
|  43 || [[.london]]	|| 80,116	|| {{decrease| -3 }}	|| 43	|| {{increase| 1 }}
|-
|  47 || [[.nyc]]		|| 68,663	|| {{increase| 5 }}		|| 88	|| {{increase| 2 }}
|-
|  57 || [[.berlin]]	|| 52,788	|| {{decrease| -3 }}	|| 33	|| {{increase| 1 }}
|-
|  86 || [[.amsterdam]]	|| 29,562	|| {{increase| 13 }}	|| 12	|| {{nochange}}
|-
|  94 || [[.hamburg]]|| 23,882	    || {{nochange}}		    || 7    || {{nochange}}
|-
| 105 || [[.boston]]	|| 22,033	|| {{increase| 4 }}		|| 0	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 109 || [[.paris]]		|| 19,893	|| {{increase| 11 }}	|| 16	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 117 || [[.vegas]]		|| 18,722	|| {{increase| 10 }}	|| 16	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 121 || [[.moscow]]|| 18,487	|| {{increase| 16 }}	|| 12	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 140 || [[.miami]]		|| 15,051	|| {{increase| 7 }}		|| 2	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 170 || [[.istanbul]]	|| 11,938	|| {{decrease| -4 }}	|| 17	|| {{increase| 1 }}
|-
| 195 || [[.melbourne]] || 9,802	|| {{decrease| -1 }}	|| 4	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 199 || [[.sydney]]	|| 9,326	|| {{decrease| -8 }}	|| 2	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 228 || [[.brussels]]	|| 7,252	|| {{increase| 6 }}		|| 9	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 293 ||  [[.capetown]]|| 4,616	|| {{increase| 11 }}	|| 0	|| {{nochange}}
|-
| 441 || [[.rio]]		|| 1,051	|| {{increase| 2 }}		|| 6	|| {{nochange}}
|}

* {{note|xAlex|a}}The number of new gTLD sites found for each TLD in the latest Alexa Top 1 Million list

== Terminology ==
Unrestricted generic top-level domains are those domains that are available for registration by any person or organization for any use. The prominent gTLDs in this group are <code>[[.com|com]]</code>, <code>[[.net|net]]</code>, <code>[[.org|org]]</code>, and <code>[[.info|info]]</code>. However, <code>info</code> was the only one of these, and the first, that was explicitly chartered as unrestricted. The others initially had a specific target audience. However, due to lack of enforcement, they acquired an unrestricted character, which was later [[Grandfather clause|grandfathered]].

=== Sponsored sTLD ===
{{Main|Sponsored top-level domain}}

The term ''sponsored top-level domain'' is derived from the fact that these domains are based on theme concepts proposed by private agencies or organizations that establish and enforce rules restricting the eligibility of registrants to use the TLD. For example, the <code>[[.aero|aero]]</code> TLD is sponsored by the [[Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques]], which limits registrations to members of the air-transport industry.

The new gTLD program saw the arrival of many such top-level domains, with a ''restricted open'' policy, eligible to those active in a regulated industry, such as .pharma or .bank, or in other industrial domains such as .safety

=== Geographic gTLD ===

{{Main|List of Internet top-level domains#Geographic top-level domains}}

A [[geographic TLD]] (or ''GeoTLD'') is a generic top-level domain using the name of or invoking an association with a geographical, geopolitical, ethnic, linguistic, or cultural community. As of 2009, only two GeoTLDs existed: the sponsored domains <code>[[.cat]]</code>, for the [[Catalan language|Catalan language and culture]] and <code>[[.asia]]</code>; as of 2014 there were many more, including <code>[[.kiwi]]</code>, <code> [[.paris]]</code>, <code> [[.scot]]</code> and <code>[[.gal]]</code>, but many others are being added regularly.

=== Brand gTLD ===

Brands have also applied to get their brand as a top-level domain. Specification 13 is an addendum to the registry contract that describes specific provisions to brands to run their Top Level Domain in a closed fashion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb/base-agreement-contracting/specification-13-applications|title=Applications to Qualify for Specification 13 to the Registry Agreement – ICANN New gTLDs|access-date=11 September 2016}}</ref> 517 applications to qualify to Spec 13 were made to ICANN, 36 requests were rejected by ICANN or withdrawn by the applicant, 4 are pending review.

In 2018, [[Spamhaus]] rated [[.men]] as the worst [[top-level domain]] in terms of [[internet spam|spam]] and [[scamming]]. .men comes top with 60.6% of its 73,000 domains identified as "bad", resulting in a badness index of 6.48. The company that runs .men, [[GRS Domains]] also runs the third worst registry - [[.loan]] – with 59 percent bad domains and a 6.22 index.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/06/12/men_toplevel_domain/|title=Men are officially the worst… top-level domain|website=[[The Register]]}}</ref>

== Expansion of gTLDs ==
The new generic top-level domain (gTLD) application system opened on January 12, 2012. The application window was initially to close on April 12, 2012. However, ICANN's Chief Operating Officer, Akram Atallah, stated there was a glitch in the TLD application system leaving applicants' information visible to others. The system was shut down to protect applicants' information, and measures were taken to resolve the situation.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICANN knew about TAS security bug last week|date=April 13, 2012|url=http://domainincite.com/8548-icann-knew-about-tas-security-bug-last-week|publisher=Domain Incite|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

ICANN re-opened the TLD Application System on May 21, allowing applicants to submit and review their applications until May 30, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=TA Interruption – Update (21 May 2012)|url=https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-21may12-en|publisher=New Generic Top Level Domains {{!}} ICANN|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

On "Reveal Day" June 13, 2012, it was announced that ICANN received about 1,930 applications for new gTLDs, 751 of which were contested.<ref>{{cite web|title=It's Reveal Day and there are 1,930 new gTLD bids|date=June 13, 2012|url=http://domainincite.com/9382-its-reveal-day-and-there-are-1930-new-gtld-bids|publisher=Domain Incite|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

It was expected for the new gTLDs to go live in June 2013. However, as of March 2013 only non-Latin domains have gone through Initial Evaluation. The updated timeline suggested the new TLDs will go live in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICANN approves non-Latin 'dot word' domains|url=http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/457176/icann_approves_non-latin_dot_word_domains/|publisher=Computer World|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-date=May 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529192340/http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/457176/icann_approves_non-latin_dot_word_domains/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New gTLD Program Timeline|url=https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program/timeline|publisher=New Generic Top Level Domains {{!}} ICANN|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>{{update after|2013|11|30}} On November 26, first seven new generic top-level domains, .bike, .clothing, .guru, .holdings, .plumbing, .singles, and .ventures, have entered the [[Sunrise period]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New Domain Name Launch Schedule|url=https://www.webnames.ca/domain-registration/new-domain-name-launch-schedule.aspx|website=Webnames.ca|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>

A lottery was held in December 2012 to determine the order in which ICANN would evaluate the 1,930 applications.<ref>{{cite web|title=New gTLD winners will be decided by lottery after all|date=October 11, 2012|url=http://domainincite.com/10729-new-gtld-winners-will-be-decided-by-lottery-after-all|publisher=Domain Incite|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

After the Application Window there was a public comment period from June 13, 2012, to September 26, 2012, in which the public could express their views on the individual new gTLD applications submitted.<ref>{{cite web|title=New gTLD Application Comment Period Extended|url=http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-10aug12-en|publisher=New Generic Top Level Domains {{!}} ICANN|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

Concerns were raised over Closed Generic applications in which the applicant would be the sole registrant for the TLD. In particular objections were raised by publishers over Amazon's .book application.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amazon's .book domain bid sparks dominance row|date=March 11, 2013|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a464774/amazons-book-domain-bid-sparks-dominance-row.html|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

Of the technology giants, [[Google]] has filed for 101 new gTLDs, [[Amazon.com|Amazon]] comes 2nd with 76, and [[Microsoft]] has filed for 11.<ref>{{cite web|title=Google Applies For 101 New gTLD's; Amazon 77; Microsoft 11; Apple 1|date=June 13, 2012|url=http://www.thedomains.com/2012/06/13/google-applies-for-101-new-gtlds-amazon-77-microsoft-11-apple-1/|publisher=The Domains|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref> The more specialized domain name companies include [[Donuts (corporation)|Donuts]] submitting the most (307) applications and [[Uniregistry]] pursuing 54 gTLDs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Donuts raises $100 million, applies for 307 new TLDs|date=June 5, 2012|url=http://domainnamewire.com/2012/06/05/donuts-raises-100-million-applies-for-307-new-tlds/|publisher=Domain Name Wire|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Here Are The 54 New gTLD's That Frank Schilling's Uniregistry Applied For|date=June 13, 2012|url=http://www.thedomains.com/2012/06/13/here-are-the-54-new-gtlds-that-frank-schillings-uniregistry-applied-for/|publisher=The Domains|access-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

=== New gTLD launches ===

On July 15, 2013, the first four new gTLD agreements were signed in Durban, South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-15jul13-en|title=Milestone: First Registry Agreements Executed – Internet Users Will Soon Be Able To Navigate The Web In Their Native Language – ICANN New gTLDs|website=newgtlds.icann.org}}</ref> They all consisted of Top Level Domains in non-Latin characters:
* International Domain Registry Pty. Ltd.'s شبكة, Arabic for "web" or "network"
* Core Association's онлайн, Russian for "online"
* Core Association's сайт, Russian for "site"
* Spring Fields, LLC's 游戏, Chinese for "game"

On July 10, 2014 the 330th gTLD was delegated.<ref name="newgtlds.icann.org" />
On November 9, 2014, the 400th gTLD was delegated in the root.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dotstories.com/many-milestones-for-the-new-gtld/ |title=Many milestones for the new gTLD |publisher=Dot stories |access-date=2016-09-16 |archive-date=April 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415182318/http://dotstories.com/many-milestones-for-the-new-gtld/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
As of 3 May 2015, the number of new gTLDs available is 605.<ref name="newgtlds.icann.org" />

The most popular gTLD has been .guru, launched in February 2014 and reached 50,000 domains in April 2014, briefly surpassed by .club between June 2 and June 9, 2014, with around 55,000 domains; .club was then surpassed by .xyz, which had more than 300,000 domains after one and a half months of existence. The growth of .xyz has been concentrated on one registrar due to a promotion they ran.<ref>{{cite web|author=Andrew Allemann |url=http://domainnamewire.com/2014/06/19/free-xyz-domain-name/ |title=I got my first free .XYZ domain name offer today – Domain Name Wire &#124; Domain Name News & Views |date=June 19, 2014 |publisher=Domain Name Wire |access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref> Recently, SBI bank has started using gTLD as "Bank.SBI" on February 20, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=SBI, One of India's Largest Banks, Switching Its Domain to Branded TLD, bank.sbi |url=http://www.circleid.com/posts/20170222_one_of_indias_largest_banks_switching_domain_to_dot_sbi/ |website=CircleID |access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SBI launches its own generic Top Level Domain with its website "bank.sbi" |url=https://sbi.co.in/documents/39129/52199/gTLD.pdf |website=SBI |publisher=State Bank of India |access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref>

=== Criticism ===
Following the vote to expand gTLDs, many trade associations and large companies, led by the [[Association of National Advertisers]], formed the [[Coalition for Responsible Internet Domain Oversight]]. The coalition opposes the expansion of gTLDs, citing "its deeply flawed justification, excessive cost and harm to brand owners."<ref>{{cite news | title = Coalition for Responsible Internet Domain Oversight information page | url = http://www.ana.net/content/show/id/crido | work = Association of National Advertisers | access-date = 2011-12-14}}</ref> In a statement to the US Congress on December 9, 2011, [[National Restaurant Association]] vice president Scott DeFife stated, "Even beyond the financial toll the gTLD program will exact on millions of U.S. businesses, the Association believes that ICANN's program will confuse consumers by spreading Internet searches across hundreds or even thousands of new top-level domains."<ref>{{cite web |title=Restaurant industry registers opposition to new Internet domain name plan|url=http://www.wrahome.com/news/restaurant-industry-registers-opposition-to-new-internet-domain-name-plan/|website=Washington Restaurant Association|date=9 December 2011|access-date=14 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525163811/http://www.wrahome.com/news/restaurant-industry-registers-opposition-to-new-internet-domain-name-plan/}}</ref>

Another opponent is [[Esther Dyson]], the founding chairwoman of ICANN, who wrote that the expansion "will create jobs [for lawyers, marketers and others] but little extra value."<ref>{{cite web|last=Dyson|first=Esther|title=What's in a Domain Name?|date=August 25, 2011 |url=http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/dyson35/English|publisher=Project Syndicate|access-date=9 January 2012}}</ref>

== New gTLD Next Round 2026 ==
ICANN has been gearing to roll out the subsequent round of New gTLD expansion but opening the second round of New gTLD Application window in April 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Jul 2025 |title=New gTLD Next Round 2026 |url=https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en |access-date=3 Jul 2025 |website=ICANN Org}}</ref> The first draft of Applicant Guidebook is published on 30 May 2025 and is currently accepting public comments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Jul 2025 |title=ICANN New gTLD Next Round - Applicant Guidebook |url=https://www.newgtldprogram.com/new-gtld-applicant-guide-book |access-date=3 Jul 2025 |website=newgtldprogram.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Jul 2025 |title=Applicant Guidebook First Draft |url=https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/policy-development/new-gtld-program-next-round-draft-applicant-guidebook-for-public-comment-30-05-2025-en.pdf |access-date=3 Jul 2025 |website=ICANN Org}}</ref> The application fee is set to be $227,000 per top level domain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Venkatasubramanian |first=Venkatesh |date=2025-04-18 |title=The True Cost of Applying for a New gTLD: What $227,000 Doesn’t Cover |url=https://www.newgtldprogram.com/post/the-true-cost-of-applying-for-a-new-gtld-what-227-000-doesn-t-cover |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Dotup New gTLD Consultancy |language=en}}</ref> This time ICANN also opened up Applicant Support Program to support organizations and communities which are in need of financial support to apply for New gTLD. The application window to apply for financial support closes on 19th November 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Jul 2025 |title=Applicant Support Program ICANN |url=https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/asp |access-date=3 Jul 2025 |website=ICANN Org}}</ref> ICANN has also mandated applicants to choose a registry backend service provider from ICANN's accredited RSP list which is expected to be published in early 2026. 

== See also ==
{{portal|Internet}}
* [[List of Internet top-level domains]]
* [[Pseudo-top-level domain]]
* [[Top-level domain#Reserved domains|Reserved domains]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
* [https://newgtlds.icann.org/ ICANN New gTLDs]
* [https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/sunrise-claims-periods ICANN New gTLDs sunrise and claims periods database]

{{GTLD}}

[[Category:Generic top-level domains| ]]
[[Category:Top-level domains]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1984]]