ICANN seeks feedback on proposal for Thaana script internet rules

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is asking for public input on a proposal to include the Thaana script in the official rules that govern how domain names are created at the global level. The proposal, prepared by the Thaana Script Generation Panel, outlines which characters in the script can be used, how possible variations should be handled, and what rules will apply when creating domain names.

Thaana is the writing system used mainly in the Maldives. Like other scripts already included in the internet’s Root Zone Label Generation Rules (RZ-LGR), this proposal is an important step toward making the internet more inclusive by allowing people to use their own language and script when registering domain names.

The process follows ICANN’s Label Generation Rules Procedure, which ensures that new scripts are carefully reviewed and technically sound. After public comments are collected, the proposal will be finalised and sent to the Integration Panel for review. If accepted, the Thaana script will be added to the next version of the global RZ-LGR, which ensures consistency and stability in how domain names are managed worldwide.

Public comments are open from 27 March to 7 May 2025. Anyone interested — including technical experts, community members, civil society or the general public — can provide feedback to help shape the final version of the rules.

Why does it matter?

For civil society, the proposal is particularly significant. Digital participation often depends on the ability to access and use the internet in one’s own language. Civil society groups, especially those working on digital inclusion, cultural preservation, and local empowerment, now have an opportunity to contribute feedback and ensure that the technical rules reflect the needs of users on the ground.