[ICANN][icann.org]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.icann.org_&d=DgMFaQ&...> News Alert https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2016-12-13-en[icann.org]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.icann.org_news_announcement-2D2016-2D12-2D13-2Den&d=DgMFaQ&c=FmY1u3PJp6wrcrwll3mSVzgfkbPSS6sJms7xcl4I5cM&r=mrDeztziKLa7gZqGADzxcnHA3QXmXYsnChWYBR4NElI&m=4xwBekz-uzm8BdousU8zdvbc1xZHumfpNlGongaE5oA&s=GWXaWKio3QA4Zft4xwjmbZjEVNtTYR1kNII914lFwKM&e=> ________________________________ ICANN Implements Standardized Framework for Release of Two-Character Labels 13 December 2016 LOS ANGELES - 13 December 2016 - ICANN has implemented the framework established by the Measures for Letter/Letter Two-Character ASCII Labels to Avoid Confusion with Corresponding Country Codes[icann.org]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.icann.org_en_system...> [PDF, 334 KB] by authorizing the release of all letter/letter two-character ASCII labels at the second level for registry operators subject to these Measures. The ICANN Board approved[icann.org]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.icann.org_resources...> the Measures on 8 November 2016. They provide a standardized framework to help Internet users avoid confusion between country codes and corresponding letter/letter two-character domain names. The framework and authorization are the result of more than two years of work by members of the Internet community and the ICANN Organization. Previously, registry operators were required to reserve and individually request permission from ICANN to release second-level two-letter ASCII labels. About ICANN ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a number. That address has to be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation and a community with participants from all over the world. ICANN and its community help keep the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It also promotes competition and develops policy for the top-level of the Internet's naming system and facilitates the use of other unique Internet identifiers. For more information please visit: www.icann.org[icann.org]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.icann.org_&d=DgMFaQ...>.