ICANN extends application deadline for top-level domains

During the 43rd ICANN international conference, issues related to the introduction of new top-level domain zones were discussed.

ICANN Board Chairman Steve Crocker announced that a second round of applications for new top-level domains is planned for a few years.

This will be possible after ICANN has processed all applications from the first round.

Applications for new top-level domains are open until April 12, 2012, and registration as an applicant is open until March 28. Currently, there are 290 registered applicants in the application system. Each registered applicant can apply for any number of domains—from 1 to 50. Therefore, it is impossible to predict exactly how many new top-level domains may appear on the internet.

However, the verification of applicants for new domains can take from several months to several years.