ICANN opens global window for new web domains
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has opened applications for its New gTLD Program 2026 Round, giving businesses, governments, communities and other organisations across the world a fresh chance to operate their own internet domain extensions for the first time in more than a decade. The application window, launched this month, will remain open till August 12.
The programme allows eligible entities to apply for generic top-level domains, commonly known as gTLDs, which are the letters appearing after the final dot in a web address. This means companies and institutions can seek customised domain endings such as brand names, city names or industry identifiers and build their own controlled digital ecosystems around them.
ICANN, the global non-profit body that coordinates the internet’s Domain Name System, said the new round marks a major digital opportunity for organisations looking to strengthen online identity, improve trust and create secure internet spaces for users. Kurtis Lindqvist, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN, said the new domains can serve as long-term strategic tools for communication, commerce and security. He said they can help businesses build stronger brands, allow cities and regions to establish dedicated digital identities, and enable communities to create more focused online platforms. The previous round of applications was held in 2012 and resulted in the launch of more than 1,200 new domain extensions. These included company-specific domains, location-based domains and category domains used for sectors and specialised services.
According to ICANN, the expansion showed that custom domains can improve user confidence, make web navigation simpler and help organisations gain better control over their online presence. Under the new programme, an approved applicant will be able to decide who can register websites under that domain extension and how the entire namespace will be managed.
