ICANN seeks community input on next round of new domain names

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has opened a new round of public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed language for parts of the Applicant Guidebook for the upcoming launch of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). This is the fourth consultation in a series aimed at shaping the rules and procedures that will govern how organisations, businesses, and communities can apply for new domain names.

The Applicant Guidebook is a critical document, as it sets the standards for who can apply, under what conditions, and how applications will be evaluated. The current public comment period runs from 14 February to 2 April 2025, giving stakeholders across the ICANN community and beyond the opportunity to review and provide input before the guidebook is finalised.

The new round of gTLD applications, scheduled for April 2026, is expected to expand the internet’s domain name system significantly, potentially creating space for new cultural, linguistic, and community-driven online identities.

Why this matters for civil society

For civil society groups, especially those working on digital inclusion and linguistic rights, participation in this process is vital. The rules in the Applicant Guidebook will determine how accessible the new gTLD program is for underrepresented communities, including speakers of minority languages and grassroots organisations seeking digital visibility. By contributing to the consultation, civil society can help ensure that the expansion of the domain name system supports diversity, fosters equal access, and strengthens cultural and linguistic representation online.