Dear All,

Following up on our conversation during the wrap up session on the public comment forum that has been opened on the introduction of two character domain names in the new gTLD namespace (see https://www.icann.org/public-comments/two-char-new-gtld-2014-06-12-en), the recommendation of the GNSO Reserved Name Working Group in relation to this topic (see (http://gnso.icann.org/en/group-activities/inactive/2007/reserved-names) was as follows:

We recommend that registries may propose release of two letter and/or number strings at the second level, provided that measures to avoid confusion with any corresponding country codes are implemented. A standardized approach should be used which ensures consultation with appropriate parties, including the ccNSO and ISO-3166 Maintenance Agency, and where security and stability issues are identified, RSTEP. ** (** = The existing gTLD registry agreements provide for a method of potential release of two-character ASCII names at the second level. In addition, two letter and/or number ASCII strings at the second level may be released through the process for new registry services, which process involves analysis of any technical or security concerns and provides opportunity for public input. Technical issues related to the release of two-letter and/or number strings have been addressed by the RSTEP Report on GNR.s proposed registry service. The GAC has previously noted the WIPO II Report statement that .If ISO 3166 alpha-2 country code elements are to be registered as domain names in the gTLDs, it is recommended that this be done in a manner that minimises the potential for confusion with the ccTLDs.)

This recommendation was then rolled into recommendation 5 of the GNSO's Final Report on the Introduction of new Generic Top Level Domains (see http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/council-report-to-board-pdp-new-gtlds-11sep07.pdf): 'Strings must not be a Reserved Word'.

This was implemented in the Applicant Guidebook as part of specification 5 (schedule of reserved names at the second level in gTLD registries) as follows: "Two-character labels. All two-character labels shall be initially reserved. The reservation of a two character label string may be released to the extent that Registry Operator reaches agreement with the government and country-code manager. The Registry Operator may also propose release of these reservations based on its implementation of measures to avoid confusion with the corresponding country codes".

And translated into the new gTLD Registry Agreement as: Specification 5 (Schedule of Reserved Names), Section 2: "All two-character ASCII labels shall be withheld from registration or allocated to Registry Operator at the second level within the TLD. Such labels may not be activated in the DNS, and may not be released for registration to any person or entity other than Registry Operator, provided that such two-character label strings may be released to the extent that Registry Operator reaches agreement with the related government and country-code manager of the string as specified in the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standard. The Registry Operator may also propose the release of these reservations based on its implementation of measures to avoid confusion with the corresponding country codes, subject to approval by ICANN".

Please note that the public comment forum closes on 10 July with the reply period closing on 1 August. The GNSO Council may want to consider during its next meeting whether or not to provide input on this topic.