Icann highlights role of internationalised domain names

Internet oversight body Icann is holding its 30th International Public Meeting this week, featuring key themes such as the ongoing testing and policy discussions around internationalised domain names [IDNs] and new rules for approving generic top-level domains [TLDs].

IDNs are currently being trialed, so that inconsistencies can be eradicated before they are formally introduced. The event will feature reports on these current trials as well as playing host to a formal policy discussion on how they can be introduced for country-code and generic TLDs, according to Icann chief executive Paul Twomey.

There is also scheduled to be a major six-hour workshop on the development of the application and approval process for new generic TLDs, he added.

The event will be the last with Vint Cerf as chairman – a replacement will be announced on Friday.

"We see an Icann today dramatically different to the one when I became a member of the board, but I'm confident it will be able to demonstrate its resilience," Cerf said.

Cerf added that the internet is currently undergoing "significant transitions" with the new IDNs and the current transition to a new IP layer protocol, IP version 6, which is proving to be a "huge challenge".

itweek.co.uk @ 2010 Incisive Media

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