The seven original top-level domains – .com, .net, .org, .gov, .int, .mil, .edu – were created in the 1980s. In November 2000, seven new names were created: .biz, .info, .name, .pro, .aero, .coop and .museum.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) invited applications for a new batch of names in December 2003. The deadline expired last week, with just ten organisations submitting applications, each accompanied by a $45,000 non-refundable fee. Four years ago, there were 44 such applications.
Among the applications is one for .xxx – a domain that was proposed and rejected by ICANN in 2000. This time, the .xxx applicant is a non-profit entity called the International Foundation for Online Responsibility (IFFOR).
It says it will "promote the development of responsible business practices and conduct within the online adult-entertainment community that shall be incorporated into the registrant agreement of all .xxx domain names via a Declaration of Best Business Practices," "promote the principles set forth in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights related to free expression," and "promote the development of business practices to safeguard children on-line and combat child pornography."
Another application came from a consortium of tech giants. HP, Microsoft, 3, GSM Association, Nokia, Orange, Samsung, Sun, TIM, T-Mobile International and Vodafone have submitted an application for .mobi, a mobile industry TLD.
If successful, the companies will form a joint venture to run the TLD which is intended to simplify the internet experience for mobile subscribers and increasing the ease-of-use and speed of delivery of mobile services.
The other applications are for: .asia, .cat, .jobs, .mail, .post, .tel (two applications made by separate organisations), and .travel.
ICANN is opening the proposals to public consultation on 1st April. In May they will undergo the scrutiny of an independent evaluation panel.