Generic Top Level Domains

Generic top level domain (gTLD) in the domain name system (DNS) clearly signifies the generic class to which an entity belongs. Depending on the qualities of gTLD, rules may vary but Internet users across the globe can use the gTLD names for registration.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers or ICANN is responsible for the creation and development of all gTLDs and their policies. Seven generic top-level domains were introduced in 1980. Out of the seven, .edu, .mil, .int and .gov are restricted domain names while .org, .com, and .net are International domain names which can be registered by any entity from anywhere in the world. Seven more additional gTLDs were launched in 2001 and 2002. Generic top level domains are sub divided into two — sponsored (.biz, .name, .info, .pro) and non-sponsored (.aero, .museum, .coop) gTLDs. On June 2005, ICANN approved and added many more new gTLDs to the sponsored top level domains which include .cat, .tel, .mobi, .jobs, .travel, .post, .xxx etc.

Generic top-level domain registrations are registered by registrars or registries recognized by ICANN. The .com domain is for commercial organizations; .org domain for non-profit entities; .net for internet service providers; .edu for educational establishments; .mil domain for US military managed by the US DoD Network Information Center; .int domain for International entities established by International agreements which is managed by IANA .int Domain Registry; .gov for the US governments and agencies in the US which is managed by US General Services Administration; .biz is reserved for businesses; .museum for museums which is operated by Museum Domain Management Association.

The Generic Top Level Domain Memorandum of Understanding, which is also represented as gTLD-MoU, outlines the policies of the generic top-level domain names. The administrative functions are controlled by ITU in Switzerland while dispute resolution processes of generic top level domains are managed by WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center in Switzerland.