Domain names shake-up revealed for global internet

A newly announced shake-up of the domain name system could change the public face of the internet worldwide.

ICANN, the non-profit organisation responsible for managing the domain name system, is to introduce a number of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs).

These are the suffixes that identify different types of website - from the original .com ending to industry-specific terms like .aero for travel and tourism sites.

Some websites use a country-code top-level domain such as .uk instead; however, the number of gTLDs is now due to be increased, with ICANN welcoming applications from those interested in running a domain registry.

While some reports suggest that major companies could register their trademarks - for example, .disney - as TLDs, ICANN says trademarks will not receive preferential treatment in the application process.

However, the number of TLDs which include letters from foreign alphabets could be set to increase as the organisation looks to create a truly international internet which is not limited to the Roman character set.