New gTLDs: what about creating a .LAGUIOLE new gTLD?

Creating a new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) like ".LAGUIOLE" is a complex and highly regulated process managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It's not as simple as registering a regular domain name. Here's a breakdown of what that would entail:

1. The ICANN Application Process

• Who can apply: Any established public or private organization that meets the eligibility requirements can apply. This means it would likely require a large entity with significant resources to submit an application.
• Application Rounds: ICANN opens up application periods for new gTLDs in rounds. The last major round was in 2012, and the next one is expected to open in April 2026. This is a rare opportunity, and preparations must begin well in advance.
• The Application Itself: The application is extensive and requires demonstrating the operational, technical, and financial capability to run a registry business. This isn't just about creating a domain name; it's about becoming a registry operator for that entire TLD.
• Cost: The process is extremely expensive. The initial application fee alone is over $185,000, and that doesn't include the costs for legal, technical, and administrative support, as well as ongoing yearly maintenance fees.

2. Potential Hurdles for .LAGUIOLE

• Legal Rights and Objections: One of the biggest challenges for a .LAGUIOLE gTLD would be potential legal rights objections. "Laguiole" is a term associated with a specific type of knife and region in France. While it is not a protected trademark for knives in all countries, a gTLD application could face objections from various parties who use the term, including knife manufacturers, regional authorities, and other organizations. ICANN's process allows for formal objections based on legal rights.
• Community or Geographic Considerations: A .LAGUIOLE gTLD could be a "Community TLD" or a "Geographic TLD," which have specific requirements. A community TLD needs to demonstrate strong support from a significant portion of the community it represents. A geographic TLD, like .NYC or .BERLIN, would require the support of the local government. Given the history of the "Laguiole" term and its association with a specific place, an application would likely need to address these community and geographic aspects.

3. Types of New gTLDs

An application for .LAGUIOLE could fall into a few different categories:

• Brand TLD: If a single company with a trademark on "Laguiole" applied, it could be a brand TLD, restricting its use to that company.
• Community TLD: An application by a group of local producers or a regional organization could position it as a community TLD, with the goal of being a trusted space for the Laguiole community.
• Generic TLD: An application for a generic TLD would allow anyone to register a domain name under .LAGUIOLE, but this would likely face significant objections from the Laguiole community and trademark holders.

Summary

In short, while creating a .LAGUIOLE gTLD is a theoretical possibility, it would be a monumental undertaking. It would require a well-funded and organized entity to navigate the complex and costly ICANN application process, and would almost certainly face legal and community objections. The next opportunity to even apply is in 2026, and the entire process from application to launch could take years.

What could a .GEO new gTLD be used for?

A .GEO new gTLD (generic Top-Level Domain) could be used to create an online identity for a specific geographic place, language, or culture. These domains, often called geoTLDs, serve as a digital tool for branding and promotion, allowing businesses, organizations, and individuals to associate themselves with a particular location or community. 🌍

Potential Use Cases for a .GEO gTLD

• City or Regional Marketing and Branding: A .GEO TLD could be used for city marketing initiatives, providing a recognizable domain for local businesses, tourism, and government services. For example, a website promoting tourism in a city could be visit.cityname.geo or a local business could have shopname.cityname.geo. This helps create a strong digital identity for the place, similar to how .london or .nyc are used.
• Promoting Culture and Language: A .GEO TLD can be used to promote a specific culture or language. For example, a domain could be dedicated to a particular regional dialect or cultural group, with websites and organizations that share a common heritage using the TLD to show their affiliation. This is similar to the use of .cat for the Catalan language and culture.
• Providing Trustworthy Public Services: Local governments and municipalities can use a .GEO TLD to provide reliable and trustworthy online services to residents. By using a domain like publicservices.cityname.geo, they can ensure that citizens know they are accessing an official government website, which helps prevent fraud and increases trust.
• Building a Community and Network: The TLD can help foster a sense of community among businesses, residents, and organizations within a specific geographic area. It creates a common digital platform for local events, news, and services, strengthening the bond between the community members and their location.

A .GEO TLD is considered a type of generic TLD (gTLD) but is distinct from a country code TLD (ccTLD) like .fr for France. GeoTLDs are typically operated on behalf of a local government or a non-profit organization dedicated to the specific place or community.

You can learn more about how ICANN's new gTLD program is expanding the domain name system in this video. The New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round

New gTLD Registries offer exclusive domain name extensions: why don't they create their own online directory?

The reason new gTLD registries don't typically create their own online directories is due to the fundamental structure of the domain name system and the business model they operate under.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

1. The Role of a Registry vs. a Registrar

• Registry: A registry operator is responsible for managing a top-level domain (TLD) like .app, .ninja, or .nyc. Their job is to maintain the central database of all registered domain names within that TLD. They set the policies and prices for their TLD.
• Registrar: A registrar is the company that sells domain names directly to the public. Companies like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and others are registrars. They have a contract with the registry to offer registrations for that specific TLD to end-users.

The business relationship is a B2B (business-to-business) one. The registry's customers are the registrars, not the end-users. Creating a directory for end-users would put them in direct competition with their own customers, which is a poor business strategy.

2. The Decentralized Nature of the Domain Name System

The internet's domain name system (DNS) is designed to be decentralized and distributed. No single entity holds all the information. The registry maintains the TLD's zone file, but the registrar handles the registration, billing, and management of the domain for the end-user.

• Whois/RDAP: The primary way to find information about a registered domain is through the Whois or RDAP protocol. This is a public database that contains technical and contact information for a domain name, and it is a shared resource. It's not a consumer-facing "directory" in the same way as a Yellow Pages or a business listing site.
• Privacy: Many domain registrants choose to use privacy services, which obscure their personal information from the public Whois/RDAP record. This makes a comprehensive directory of who owns what domain even more difficult to create.

3. Business and Marketing Focus

• Marketing to Registrars: Registries focus their marketing and business development efforts on attracting and supporting registrars. They want registrars to actively promote and sell their TLD.
• Specialization: Registries specialize in the technical and operational aspects of running a TLD, including ensuring security, stability, and compliance with ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) regulations. Creating and maintaining an online directory is a completely different business model that requires a different set of skills and resources.

In essence, the system is built on a clear division of labor. The registry is the wholesaler, and the registrars are the retailers. It's a structure that promotes competition among registrars and ensures the stability and security of the entire domain name system.

The .YELLOW new gTLD: could there be a new application submitted to the ICANN in 2026?

Yes, it's possible for a new application for the .YELLOW generic top-level domain (gTLD) to be submitted to ICANN in 2026. ICANN's next round for new gTLD applications is expected to open in April 2026.

ICANN's New gTLD Program: Next Round

ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is responsible for managing the Internet's domain name system. Its New gTLD Program allows businesses, communities, and other organizations to apply for new top-level domains. The last major round of applications was in 2012, which added over 1,200 new gTLDs to the Internet. The upcoming round is the second of its kind and is designed to further encourage innovation, competition, and consumer choice. The application period is projected to last for 12-15 weeks.

The application process is complex, and ICANN is currently finalizing the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), which is the official rulebook for the program. The AGB is a crucial step that needs to be completed before the application window opens. It is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, which would allow the application window to open in April 2026 as planned. The process of applying for a new gTLD is a significant undertaking, as it requires the applicant to be able to operate a registry business that supports the domain name system.

In the past, there was an application for a .YELLOW gTLD by DotYellow PTY LTD in Australia, which was intended to be used as a business directory. An entity could choose to re-apply for this gTLD in the upcoming round.

The New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round This video provides an overview of ICANN's new gTLD program and explains its goals and objectives.

The .DRONE new gTLD: does it make sense to create domain names ending in ".drone"?

The prospect of creating and using a domain name ending in ".drone" is an interesting one, as it would be part of the "new gTLD" (generic Top-Level Domain) program. Here's a breakdown of whether it makes sense, based on the current landscape:

The Status of the ".drone" gTLD

First and foremost, it's important to clarify that .drone is not yet an active or available gTLD. The process for creating a new gTLD is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Applications (ICANN).

While a "new gTLD program" is in development, with a new round of applications planned, .drone is not currently delegated and you cannot register a domain name with this extension. Therefore, any discussion is theoretical for now, but it's a worthwhile thought exercise for the future of the drone industry.

Why a ".drone" gTLD Could Make Sense

If and when the .drone gTLD becomes available, there are several reasons why it could be a valuable and sensible choice for certain entities:

• Branding and Specificity: A .drone domain name would instantly tell visitors what your website is about. For a business like "precisionaerial.drone," the name itself is a powerful marketing tool. It's a clear signal to your target audience—people interested in drone technology, services, or products. This is a significant advantage over generic TLDs like .com, which can be saturated with unrelated businesses.
• Industry Authority: Owning a .drone domain could establish a company or individual as a leader or specialist in the drone industry. It creates a sense of authority and focus, making it easier for customers and partners to trust your expertise.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): While the direct impact of a gTLD on search rankings is debated, a highly relevant and memorable domain name can improve brand recall and direct traffic. People who see "yourcompany.drone" in a search result might be more inclined to click because it perfectly matches their search intent.
• Market Growth: The drone market is expanding rapidly, with applications in agriculture, construction, real estate, filmmaking, logistics, and more. A .drone gTLD could become the go-to namespace for this diverse and growing industry, creating a centralized hub for all things related to drones.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the idea is promising, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Cost and Availability: New gTLDs can often be more expensive to register and renew than traditional TLDs like .com. Additionally, premium domain names (short, highly desirable names) will likely be priced even higher.
• Lack of Recognition: For a long time, .com has been the default TLD. While new gTLDs are gaining traction, some users might still default to typing ".com" at the end of a domain name, leading to missed traffic. This is less of an issue for brand-focused companies that rely on marketing and direct traffic, but it's a consideration.
• Regulatory Challenges: The drone industry is heavily regulated, with laws varying by country and region. Any registry operator for a .drone gTLD would have to navigate these complexities, and domain names might be subject to industry-specific policies or legal requirements.

Conclusion

Creating domain names ending in ".drone" would absolutely make sense for entities operating in the drone industry. From a branding perspective, it offers a level of specificity and clarity that is difficult to achieve with a generic TLD. It would be an excellent choice for:

• Drone manufacturers and sellers (e.g., skytech.drone)
• Drone service providers for things like aerial photography, inspections, or surveying (inspections.drone)
• Industry news and resource websites (dronenews.drone)
• Hobbyists and communities (rc.drone)

However, for now, this is a future consideration. The key takeaway is that the concept is a strong one, and if the .drone gTLD becomes available, it will be a powerful tool for anyone in the professional or hobbyist drone space.

A .BLACK new gTLD already exists: what about a .WHITE domain name extension in 2026?

As of now, a .WHITE new gTLD does not exist. However, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is preparing for the next round of new gTLD applications. The application window is expected to open in April 2026 and will last for a period of 12-15 weeks.

This new round of applications is an opportunity for organizations to apply for and potentially become the registry operator for new gTLDs, which could include a .WHITE TLD if an organization were to submit a successful application. This process is intended to foster competition and innovation in the domain name industry.

The .BEACH new gTLD: there are more than 10.000 beaches just in Australia.

You're absolutely right. It's a great example that highlights the vast number of beaches that exist in a single country, making a global count so difficult.

Australia is estimated to have somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 beaches, with some sources citing a specific number like 11,761. This is a staggering figure and, as you noted, a key piece of information when trying to understand the sheer number of beaches worldwide.

The fact that a single country can have so many beaches reinforces why a precise global number is impossible to pin down. When you consider the coastlines of all the other countries, the total number of beaches worldwide is certainly in the tens of thousands, if not more.

The .SARK new gTLD: a geographical or community application to be submitted to the ICANN in 2026?

The .SARK new gTLD (generic top-level domain) application to ICANN would be considered a geographical application.

Here's why:

• Sark is a geographical location. It is a small island in the English Channel, part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It has a defined physical territory, a government (the Chief Pleas), and a resident population.
• ICANN's definition of a geographic name: ICANN's new gTLD program has specific categories for different types of applications. A "Geographical TLD" represents a particular city or region, and applications for such domains typically require the support of the local government.
• Community-based gTLDs: While Sark certainly has a community, a community-based gTLD application is typically for a community that isn't defined by a specific geographic location (e.g., .CATHOLIC, .AARP). The defining characteristic of Sark is its location and political status as a royal fief.

Therefore, an applicant for the .SARK gTLD would need to follow the specific rules and procedures for a geographic name application, including demonstrating support from the relevant governmental authorities in Sark.

The .TRUCK new gTLD: does it make sense to create domain names ending in ".truck" (instead of ".com" for example)?

Choosing a domain name is a critical part of building an online presence, and the decision between a new generic top-level domain (gTLD) like ".truck" and the traditional ".com" has both potential benefits and drawbacks.

The Case for .truck

• Relevance and Branding: A ".truck" domain immediately signals to visitors that your website is specifically about the trucking industry. This can be a powerful branding tool, helping your company stand out from competitors and establishing its niche expertise.
• Availability: With the ".com" space being highly saturated, it's often difficult and expensive to find a short, memorable, and relevant domain name. A newer gTLD like ".truck" offers a much better chance of securing your preferred name.
• Marketing Opportunities: A unique domain extension can be a key part of your marketing strategy. Using a ".truck" domain on business cards, advertisements, and social media can grab attention and make your business more memorable.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): While Google has stated it doesn't favor one TLD over another, an exact-match domain (e.g., yourcompany.truck) can still have an indirect positive effect on SEO. It clearly communicates the website's purpose to search engines and users, which can lead to better click-through rates.

The Case Against .truck (and for .com)

• Familiarity and Trust: The ".com" extension has been around for decades and is the most recognized and trusted TLD. Many people automatically assume a website ends in ".com" and may type it in by default, leading to missed traffic. For larger, more established businesses, a ".com" domain can lend an air of professionalism and credibility that newer TLDs may lack.
• Memorability: Studies have shown that ".com" domains are significantly more memorable than other TLDs. This is a result of their long-standing presence and dominance in the online world.
• Resale Value: A ".com" domain can be a valuable asset with a high resale value, which is not typically the case for newer gTLDs.
• User Confusion: Customers who aren't familiar with new gTLDs may be confused by a ".truck" domain and mistakenly try to find you at yourname.com. This can be a particular challenge for businesses that serve a less tech-savvy audience.

Conclusion

The decision to use a ".truck" domain depends on your business goals and target audience. For a new business in the trucking industry, a ".truck" domain can be an excellent way to create a clear, relevant, and memorable brand identity. It may be easier to secure your desired name at a lower cost and can be a powerful marketing tool.

However, if your business is already established with a strong ".com" presence, switching to a ".truck" domain might not be the best idea due to the potential for user confusion and the high trust factor associated with ".com." A hybrid approach, where you register both domains and redirect the ".truck" domain to your main ".com" site, could also be a good way to protect your brand and benefit from both worlds.

Canva just launched Canva Code: which use could they have of a .CANVA new gTLD?

Canva Code is an AI-powered feature launched at the Canva Create 2025 event that allows users to generate and embed interactive elements like quizzes, calculators, and other mini-apps within their designs using simple text prompts. The feature is part of Canva's larger "Visual Suite 2.0" and aims to bridge the gap between design and development by making coding accessible to a wider audience.

The launch of Canva Code makes a new generic top-level domain (gTLD) like .CANVA an especially valuable asset for the company. A gTLD is the part of a web address that comes after the dot, like .com, .org, or .net. Companies can apply to operate their own brand gTLD, which offers several strategic advantages, particularly in light of a new feature like Canva Code.

Here are some of the use cases for Canva with a .CANVA gTLD:

• Branding and Authority: A .CANVA gTLD would solidify the brand's identity and authority in the digital space. For example, developers could have domains like code.canva or api.canva to host documentation and resources related to Canva Code, clearly signaling that the content is official and trustworthy.
• Security and Trust: By controlling its own gTLD, Canva could create a more secure ecosystem for its users. For instance, it could ensure that all websites and services built with Canva Code are hosted on a .canva domain, which would help users easily identify legitimate Canva creations and protect them from phishing or counterfeit sites.
• A Unified Developer Ecosystem: The .canva gTLD could be used to create a comprehensive and organized ecosystem for developers and users of Canva Code. This could include a variety of subdomains for different purposes, such as:
  • docs.canva for official documentation and tutorials.
  • showcase.canva for a gallery of user-created projects.
  • community.canva for forums and support.
  • marketplace.canva for a store where users can sell or share their Canva Code creations.
• Improved User Experience: A .canva gTLD would allow for more descriptive and memorable web addresses. Instead of having long URLs with subdirectories, a user's interactive design could be published at a simple address like my-project.canva, making it easier to share and access.
• Monetization and Business Models: Canva could potentially create new business models around its gTLD. It could offer premium .canva domains to its enterprise users or provide hosting services for user-generated projects under the .canva umbrella, creating an additional revenue stream.

In essence, a .CANVA gTLD would be a powerful tool for Canva to build a cohesive, secure, and branded online presence for its new Canva Code feature and the broader developer community it aims to cultivate.

The .MALL new gTLD: how many malls exist worldwide?

Finding a precise, up-to-the-minute global count of shopping malls is challenging, as the definition of a "mall" can vary and data is not consistently collected worldwide. However, some reliable estimates and data points can give us a good idea of the scale.

The most detailed data often comes from the United States, where the number of shopping centers has fluctuated significantly over time. One estimate suggests that in 2010, the U.S. had just under 108,000 shopping centers. However, due to shifts in retail, that number is estimated to have dropped significantly, with some sources claiming only around 1,000 still operating as traditional malls.

For a worldwide perspective, a new research report from global real estate advisor CBRE indicates that a total of 33.5 million square meters of shopping center space is currently under construction across the world's major cities. This shows that while some regions are seeing a decline, others are still investing heavily in new mall development.

Other resources, such as Wikipedia's category for "Shopping malls by country," show extensive lists of malls in various nations, suggesting a very large global number, though not a specific total.

This indicates that while it's difficult to get an exact number, the total count of shopping malls worldwide is in the tens of thousands, with a dynamic landscape of new construction and closures.