The generic top level domain name (gTLD) program – scheduled to be rolled out next week – should not be delayed, the chairman of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has argued.
Speaking to the National Journal, Stephen Crocker dismissed calls to hold back the application process, which is due to get underway on January 12th 2012.
ICANN has faced repeated criticism from certain groups – including bodies representing retailers and advertisers – over its controversial gTLD plan.
Under the new regime, businesses and organizations will be able to register their own customized domain name suffixes, creating new online real estate.
Mr. Crocker questioned what value a delay to the process would offer, particularly given that critics have yet to identify a specific problem with the domain name initiative.
He said the ICANN board had listened to view from a variety of bodies during the consultation period, and was confident that the gTLD program will be a success.
Opposing parties will not be satisfied with a delay, Mr. Crocker added – they want to see the gTLD idea scrapped altogether.