New gTLD and IDNs for Development: Importance and Obstacles

This was overall a great session with several important discussion on the ICANN's decision for introducing new gTLDs and introducing IDNs. It is an established fact that this initiative creates and opens up opportunities but also can create problems especially for developing world. The cost for new gTLD for developing countries is very high and can not be covered by them as a consequence ICANN has taken the decision to help financially those contries in order to overcome the financiall issue.

However, it seems that there is a debate between some representatives from the developing world and ICANN's decision-making body on whether the decision for rolling out new gTLD and IDNs was done in hurry without based on a carefull feasibility study on the impact that this rollout will have on developing countries. For some representatives, this is a massive roll out of gTLDs and IDNs that will find many developing countries unprepared and unable to absorb it. And also there is the fear that there might be serious consequence in terms of economic empact to developing countries. However, the position of ICANN is that in no way this is a massive roll out and in fact there have been only 900 applications for new gTLD for a year and only 200 of them will be reviewed. ICANN holds the position that it has been fair and inclusive in its decision and that also it will help any country in this process.

The other concern is that IDNs might bring more confusion to users and companies and also they will be costly for companies and organizaiton that will try to protect their name and brand. In addition, there is a lack of awareness on the impact of IDNs for businness, organiations or even individuals. However, there is a consensus that introduction of IDNs will contribute toward culture cohesion and there are already signs of this impact and also will make Internet more accessible and increase the content in local languages. Increasingly introduction of IDNs and new gTLDs is not seen any more as a technological advancement but as a question of right and balance and also of freedom of association. With the introduction of IDNs rules of co-existant are very important and they will be even more in dicsussion agenda in the following days.

The debate on the roll out of gTLDs and IDNs will be going on and the important thing is that this process is inclusive, transparant and also considerable of all stakholders.