Additional Explanatory Memorandum on Morality and Public Order Objection Considerations in New gTLDs http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-29oct08-en.htm (Note for At-Large community members attending Cairo: a compilation of all new GTLD documents will be made available to you in Cairo) 29 October 2008 An additional explanatory memorandum is being posted today for public comments http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-comments-en.htm to assist with the understanding of the implementation work related to morality and public order objections in New gTLDs. The memorandum is also available for download at the New gTLD Program webpage. ICANN has recently released the new generic top-level domain (gTLD) Draft Applicant Guidebook and a series of explanatory memoranda for Public Comments http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-comments-en.htm. The memorandum being posted today is part of this series. The Draft Applicant Guide document provides information to applicants wanting to apply for a new gTLD. All documents are being posted in English only at this point but will be soon be available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian. It is important to note that they are drafts for discussion. Potential applicants for new gTLDs should not rely on any of the proposed details of the new gTLD program. The new gTLD program remains subject to further consultation. New GTLDs and the Internet ­ Openness Change Innovation After years of discussion and thought, new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are being expanded. They will allow for more innovation, choice and change to a global Internet presently served by only 21 generic top-level domain names. As a not-for profit corporation dedicated to coordinating the Internet's addressing system, ICANN is not doing this to add to its revenue. An implementation plan is being developed with opportunities for public comment. There will be processes for objections. There has also been detailed technical scrutiny to ensure the Internet's stability and security. There will be an evaluation fee but it will recover costs only (expenses so far, application processing and anticipated legal costs). Promoting competition and choice is one of the principles upon which ICANN was founded. In a world with 1.5 billion Internet users (and growing), diversity, choice and innovation are key. The Internet has supported huge increases in choice, innovation and the competition of ideas, and expanding new gTLDs is an opportunity for more. Find out details at: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm. Openness Change Innovation Related Links: Comment page: http://icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-comments-en.htm New diagram: http://icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-docs-out-oct08-en.pdf Announcement: http://www.icann.org/ -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart, Matthias Langenegger, Marie-Hélène Bouchoms ICANN At-Large Staff email: staff@atlarge.icann.org