The introduction of generic top level domain names (gTLDs) could result in the creation of new country codes, it has been suggested.
Internet lobbyists in Scotland are hoping to take advantage the recent decision to introduce gTLDs by creating a .scot domain name suffix, enabling companies and organizations there country to ditch their .co.uk domain names.
The possibility was raised after the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ (ICANN) board of directors voted in favor of introducing gTLDs last week.
Previously domain name registrants have been limited to 21 extensions, including .com, .gov, .net and .info, plus a range of country codes depending on their geographic location.
According to the BBC, the campaign for a .scot domain name extension has been running since 2009, and has gained support from the Scottish government.
“Following the ICANN announcement, we can now move forward with the application, and are consulting with technical partners to progress this over the next six months to be ready for the January 12th 2012 opening date for new TLDs,” advocates stated.
“We will also continue to engage with the community of Scots, here and around the world, to gather their support for the introduction of a .scot domain.”