Re: [Ext] Re: Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
Thanks. For 375 labels, we’re talking about what many in the IRT view as “EXTRA” protection because the Policy by super majority at https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/filefield_43533/council-board-igo... says “Top-Level protections of Exact Match, Full Name Because of the extent of these lists I am opposed to any new policy creation. Option 1 (not included in string similarity) or 3 (defer to later) are the way forward. RedCross List: 24 Olympic List: 19 (see lists provided by Michael below) ECOSOC list compiled by the UN : 142 (acronym codes are not included right?) AfDBAfrican Development Bank AUAfrican Union ACPAfrican, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States OPANALAgency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean CANAndean Community CAFAndean Development Corporation ADBAsian Development Bank ALADIAsociación Latinoamericana de Integración ACSAssociation of Caribbean States ASEANAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations CARICOMCaribbean Community SICACentral American Integration System CSTOCollective Security Treaty Organization COICommission de l’Océan Indien CFCCommon Fund for Commodities CISCommonwealth of Independent States CEN-SADCommunity of Sahel-Saharan States CPLPComunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa GCCCooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf COECouncil of Europe EACEast African Community ECCASEconomic Community of Central African States ECOWASEconomic Community of West African States ECOEconomic Cooperation Organization ENCHARTEREnergy Charter Conference EABREurasian Development Bank EurAsECEurAsian Economic Community CERNEuropean Organization for Nuclear Research EUEuropean Union HCCHHague Conference on Private International Law IADBInter-American Development Bank IGADIntergovernmental Authority on Development ICMPDInternational Centre for Migration Policy Development ICC-CPIInternational Criminal Court IDLOInternational Development Law Organization IHFFCInternational Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission IHOInternational Hydrographic Organization IDEAInternational Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance IOMInternational Organization for Migration IRENAInternational Renewable Energy Agency ISAInternational Seabed Authority ITLOSInternational Tribunal for the Law of the Sea IDBIslamic Development Bank Group IILAItalian-Latin American Institute SELALatin American and Caribbean Economic System PARLATINOLatin American Parliament LASLeague of Arab States OECDOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OIFOrganisation Internationale de la Francophonie OECSOrganisation of Eastern Caribbean States OICOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation GUAMOrganization for Democracy and Economic Development OASOrganization of American States BSECOrganization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation FORUMSECPacific Islands Forum PCAPermanent Court of Arbitration SCOShanghai Cooperation Organisation SAARCSouth Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SOUTHCENTRESouth Centre SADCSouthern African Development Community OFIDThe OPEC Fund for International Development UEMOAUnion Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine UNASURUnion of South American Nations WCOWorld Customs Organization AIPOAfrican Intellectual Property Organization APPAAfrican Petroleum Producers Association ARIPOAfrican Regional Intellectual Property Organization ACTOAmazon Cooperation Treaty Organization ASEAN Promotion Centre on Trade, Investment, and Tourism a) APOAsian Productivity Organization BISBank for International Settlements BOIPBenelux Organization for Intellectual Property BSTDPBlack Sea Trade and Development Bank BIPMBureau International des Poids et Mesures CTUCarribean Telecommunications Union BCEAOCentral Bank of West African States CEPTConférence européenne des administrations des postes et des télécommunications CEBCouncil of Europe Development Bank EFTACOURTEFTA Court EFTASURVEFTA Surveillance Authority EUCLIDEUCLID University EAPOEurasian Patent Organization EURATOMEuropean Atomic Energy Community EBRDEuropean Bank for Reconstruction and Development ECBEuropean Central Bank ECMWFEuropean Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ECEuropean Commission ECMTEuropean Conference of Ministers of Transport EUCOEuropean Council EEASEuropean External Action Service EFIEuropean Forest Institute EFTAEuropean Free Trade Association EIBEuropean Investment Bank EMBLEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory ESOEuropean Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere EUROCONTROLEuropean Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation EPEuropean Parliament EPOEuropean Patent Office EPOEuropean Patent Organisation EUROPOLEuropean Police Office ESAEuropean Space Agency FAOFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations IICInter-American Investment Corporation IACAInternational Anti-Corruption Academy IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency CIHEAMInternational Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies ICSIDInternational Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ICAOInternational Civil Aviation Organization ICCOInternational Cocoa Organization ICOInternational Coffee Organization ICJ-CIJInternational Court of Justice IDAInternational Development Association IEAInternational Energy Agency BIEInternational Exhibitions Bureau IFCInternational Finance Corporation IFADInternational Fund for Agricultural Development UNIDROITInternational Institute for the Unification of Private Law IJCInternational Joint Commission ILOInternational Labour Organization IMOInternational Maritime Organization IMSOInternational Mobile Satellite Organization IMFInternational Monetary Fund IOOCInternational Olive Oil Council INTERELECTROInternational Organization for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the Field of the Electrotechnical Industry ISTCInternational Science and Technology Center ISOInternational Sugar Organization ITUInternational Telecommunication Union ITSOInternational Telecommunications Satellite Organization ITFInternational Transport Forum ITTOInternational Tropical Timber Organization UPOVInternational Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants IWCInternational Whaling Commission ITERITER International Fusion Energy Organization MRCMekong River Commission MERCOSURMercado Común de Sur MIGAMultilateral Investment Guarantee Agency NIBNordic Investment Bank NPINordic Patent Institute NASCONorth Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization PICESNorth Pacific Marine Science Organization OCCAROrganisation for Joint Armament Co-operation OHADAOrganisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa OPCWOrganisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons OIVOrganisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin OPECOrganization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries SPCPacific Community PAHOPan American Health Organization PUASPPostal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal CTBTOPreparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization COMESAThe Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa BENELUXUnion Benelux UNUnited Nations UNCCDUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Expecting Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa UNESCOUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCCUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNIDOUnited Nations Industrial Development Organization UPUUniversal Postal Union IBRDWorld Bank WHOWorld Health Organization WIPOWorld Intellectual Property Organization WMOWorld Meteorological Organization OIEWorld Organisation for Animal Health UNWTOWorld Tourism Organization WTOWorld Trade Organization AALCOAsian-African Legal Consultative Organization CICAConference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia ICGLRInternational Conference on the Great Lakes Region of Africa INTERPOLInternational Criminal Police Organization - INTERPOL IFASInternational Fund for Saving the Aral Sea IUCNInternational Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources OSCEOrganization for Security and Co-operation in Europe PAMParliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean PPDPartners in Population and Development RECSARegional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States COMMONWEALTHThe Commonwealth UPEACEUniversity for Peace INTRACENInternational Trade Centre UNAIDSJoint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS UNICEFUnited Nations Children’s Fund UNCTADUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNDPUnited Nations Development Programme UNWOMENUnited Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women UNEPUnited Nations Environment Programme UNHCRUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees /UN Refugee Agency UN-HABITATUnited Nations Human Settlements Programme UNICCUnited Nations International Computing Centre UNOPSUnited Nations Office for Project Services UNFPAUnited Nations Population Fund UNRWAUnited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East UNUUnited Nations University WFPWorld Food Programme IGO List : 192 AARP Academic Council on the United Nations System Adventist Development and Relief Agency African Network of Young Leaders for Peace and Sustainable Development Agence internationale pour le développement Al-Khoei Foundation Asia Crime Prevention Foundation Asian Legal Resource Centre Association for Progressive Communications Association for Women’s Rights in Development Association of Medical Doctors of Asia AVSI Foundation Biovision Stiftung für ökologische Entwicklung Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University CARE International Caritas Internationalis Centre de recherches et de promotion pour la sauvegarde des sites et monuments historiques en Afrique Centre Europe-tiers monde Centro di Ricerca e Documentazione Febbraio 74 China NGO Network for International Exchanges Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries CIDSE CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation Colombian Confederation of NGOs Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches Confederación Latinoamericana de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations Congregations of St. Joseph Consumers International Convention of Independent Financial Advisors Covenant House DEVNET Association Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration Environmental Development Action in the Third World Femmes Afrique solidarité Foundation for the Social Promotion of Culture/Fundación Promoción Soci al de la Cultura Foundation for the Support of the United Nations Franciscans International Friends World Committee for Consultation Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo Global Economist Forum Good Neighbors International Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council of North and South America Greenpeace International HelpAge International Humane Society of the United States Imam Ali’s Popular Students Relief Society Institute of International Law Institute of Noahide Code InterAction: American Council for Voluntary International Action International Alliance of Women International Association for Religious Freedom International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, association sans but lucratif International Association of Lions Clubs International Association of Peace Foundations International Association of Soldiers for Peace International Association of University Professors and Lecturers International Center for Research on Women International Cooperative Alliance International Council of Environmental Law International Council of Voluntary Agencies International Council of Women International Council on Management of Population Programmes International Council on Social Welfare International Electrotechnical Commission International Eurasia Press Fund International Federation for Family Development International Federation of Associations of the Elderly International Federation of Business and Professional Women International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres International Federation on Ageing International Health Awareness Network International Higher Education Academy of Sciences International Human Rights & Anti-Corruption Society International Indian Treaty Council International Informatization Academy International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies International Institute of Administrative Sciences International Movement ATD Fourth World International Organization for Standardization International Organization of Employers International Planned Parenthood Federation International Road Transport Union International Trade Union Confederation International Transport Workers’ Federation International Union of Economists International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations Inter-Press Service International Association Islamic Relief USA Junior Chamber International Lazarus Union Legião da Boa Vontade/Legion of Good Will Liberal International Make Mothers Matter Médecins du monde Médecins sans frontières Muslim World League National Council of Negro Women New Humanity Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty ONG Hope International Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement Internationa l Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities Oxfam International Parliamentarians for Global Action Perfect Union Plan International, Inc. RESO-Femmes Rotary International Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Russian Peace Foundation Save the Children International Socialist International Society for International Development Soroptimist International Sulabh International The Fishermen The Sant Nirankari Mandal, Delhi United Cities and Local Governments United Nations Association of China United Nations Association of Russia Universal Peace Federation Voluntary Service Overseas Women’s Federation for World Peace International Women’s International Democratic Federation World Animal Protection World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Blind Union World Conference of Religions for Peace World Family Organization World Federation of Trade Unions World Federation of United Nations Associations World Information Transfer World Muslim Congress World Organization of the Scout Movement World Veterans Federation World Vision International World Wide Fund for Nature International Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa Zonta International (Not too long to put in an email) Elaine From: Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org> Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 3:58 PM To: Elaine Pruis <epruis@verisign.com> Cc: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com>, Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org>, Sarmad Hussain <sarmad.hussain@icann.org>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>, "subpro-irt@icann.org" <subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [Ext] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Elaine, No problem at all. For the first two sources I’m adding the strings directly; however, for the last 2 sources I’ve pasted the link as there are too many to add directly in this email. The Reserved Names list is composed of strings on the following lists: Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Crystal, Red Lion & Sun (in all 6 official UN languages). See image below for these strings: Olympic and Olympiad (in all 6 official UN languages plus German, Greek, and Korean). See image below for these strings: ECOSOC list compiled by the UN (Only the 142 organizations in General Consultative Status in English only, on page 3) See here: https://docs.un.org/en/E/2023/INF/5 All of the strings on this IGO list created by the GAC: https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/dryden-to-crocker-chala... I hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you! Best, Michael From: "Pruis, Elaine" <epruis@verisign.com> Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 2:46 AM To: Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org> Cc: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com>, Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org>, Sarmad Hussain <sarmad.hussain@icann.org>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>, "subpro-irt@icann.org" <subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: Re: Re: [Ext] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names Sorry to be daft, but which strings exactly are reserved at the top level? The list of strings at the link below are in the many hundreds and say (reserved at the second level” Would you kindly paste the top level Reserved List in reply? Thanks. Elaine On Sep 15, 2025, at 6:35 PM, Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org> wrote: Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Anne, In the AGB for the strings on the Reserved Names list we say: “The following Limited International IGO-INGOs strings are on the Reserved Names list and may be applied for through an exception process only by the relevant entity, provided it submits appropriate documentation as detailed in 6.2.2.2 below: Names added based on recommendations from the IGO-INGO PDP Working Group regarding the protections of IGO-INGO identifiers in all gTLDs, including their allocatable variant strings, are eligible for delegation upon verification. These include: Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC), International Olympic Committee (IOC), and International Governmental Organization (IGO) – International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO) Names.” We also include multiple footnotes to clarify the source of the lists (in text). We can look at the IGO-INGO PDP policy recommendations which is more specific as to what strings are on the Reserved Names lists. The GNSO Council Report to the ICANN Board lays it out clearly in Scope 1 of each recommendation: https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/filefield_43533/council-board-igo... [secure-web.cisco.com] The recommendations point to the source of the strings (the GAC list), the ECOSOC General Consultative status list maintained by the UN, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent strings. ICANN has also included these strings on the bottom of this page here (Bullets 1 and 2): https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/registry-operators/services/rese... [secure-web.cisco.com]. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you! Best, Michael From: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com> Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 8:22 AM To: Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org> Cc: "Pruis, Elaine" <epruis@verisign.com>, Sarmad Hussain <sarmad.hussain@icann.org>, Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>, "subpro-irt@icann.org" <subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: [Ext] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names P.S. Of course I know that we are talking about Top Level Reserved Names whereas the second level names which registries can reserve in the next round are completely different. Just trying to figure out if there are any other Top Level Reserved Names other than these particular IGO/NGO names? Thank you, Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com On Mon, Sep 15, 2025 at 8:05 AM Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com> wrote: Many thanks Lars - very helpful. Are the IGO/NGO names the ONLY Reserved Names? (I may be confused with second level names that a registry is allowed to reserve - which went from 100 to 500 names in the next round?) Again, apologies for my lack of background on this but really need to understand the facts. Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com On Sat, Sep 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org> wrote: Hi Anne, A few answers to your questions in blue below, I am inviting @Sarmad Hussainand @Michael Karakash to chime in on Monday, too. Best. Lars From: Anne ICANN via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org> Reply to: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com> Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025 at 20:22 To: "Pruis, Elaine" <epruis@verisign.com> Cc: "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>, "subpro-irt@icann.org" <subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names Thanks Elaine and staff. Where I am a bit hung up is as follows: I cannot conclude from the approved policy language that no other blocked name policy/procedure will apply to these "protected strings". In other words, I thought that based on past policy re blocked string status (ineligible for delegation), a string that is confusingly similar to a blocked string will not be delegated. Important to bear in mind that blocked names are different to what was referred to as ‘strings not eligible for delegation’ – the former are still called blocked names. these cannot be applied for by anyone, and all applied-for strings will be evaluated against these block names for string similarity. In case an applied-for string is found confusingly similar with a blocked name, the applied-for string cannot proceed. The question of whether reserved names, so names that can only be obtained by a specific organization for which the name has been in fact reserved (and these used to be called ‘strings ineligible for delegation’) should be part of the string similarity evaluation, too, is what is now being discussed. Are we distinguishing between Blocked Names and Reserved Names and saying that Reserved Names are not subject to a policy which prohibits delegation of a similar string? Yes, there is a clear difference between blocked and reserved names (see above). See also above. Generally speaking, is a new string that is judged to be similar to a Reserved Name string ineligible for delegation or not? Reminder that the terminology has changed. A reserved name is what the 2012 AGB referred to as a ‘string ineligible for delegation’. The IGO INGO identifiers are no reserved names and ICANN proposed to evaluate all applied-for strings against the reserved names list as these strings are ‘protected’ per 2013 policy recommendations. The clear majority of the IRT (of those who have spoken up) disagrees with this, arguing that only the exact name is protected and confusingly similar names can be delegated, meaning that applied for strings should NOT be evaluated for string similarity against the reserved names list, because that was the policy in 2012. And do applicants know this when they read the Reserved Names List? Yes, it is a list that is determined by policy How is the Reserved Names List determined? Policy – which, if I recall directly – also built on GAC advice and input from IGO/INGO, e.g., see here the public comment from the Red Cross on the IGO/INGO PDP Initial Report: https://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-igo-ingo-initial-14jun13/msg00000.htm... [forum.icann.org] [secure-web.cisco.com] It sounds as though many IRT participants are saying that Reserved Names do not enjoy any protection from confusingly similar strings. Is that correct? Yes. I would say even that it is a clear majority of those that have spoken up on the call and on list. Or are we saying that Reserved Names are protected against delegation of confusingly similar strings but .redcross, .olympic, etc, are not so protected? Redcross etc. are reserved names because the red cross can apply for .redcross, but no one else can. I could be misunderstanding the deliberations on these "protected organizations" and "protected strings". Definitely need to understand this better. Please help. Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com On Fri, Sep 12, 2025 at 3:46 PM Pruis, Elaine <epruis@verisign.com> wrote: I believe the intention of the policy is to only allow The Red Cross to be the contracted party to operate .redcross. ICANN put forward two options that were developed while considering the policies and establishing the string similarity rules. I do not believe the policy allows for The Red Cross to “block” any applied for string that might “look like” .redcross, which is what the outcome of Option 2 from ICANN would be. Since there has been some discussion on the list since the call, I can support Katrin (and Mike’s) proposal to allow The Red Cross to later acquire .redcross even if there is a similar string delegated in this round. Ie, regardless of string similarity outcomes The Red Cross gets .redcross. Elaine From: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com> Date: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:14 AM To: Chris Disspain <chris.disspain@identity.digital> Cc: Elaine Pruis <epruis@verisign.com>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>, "subpro-irt@icann.org" <subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Thanks Chris, Elaine, and Ashley, Could you please clarify what you believe to be the intention of the policy? For example, Is it to permit the .redcross string to proceed only if it applied for in the same round as .rodcross (not later) and to allow it to proceed in spite of the string similarity? Are you saying the policy is: 1. .Redcross is permitted to proceed in a concurrent round regardless of Similarity - so both .redcross and .rodcross proceed if applied for in the same round? 2. . Redcross WILL BE SUBJECT to string similarity review and cannot proceed if a prior similar string like .rodcross has in fact been awarded? Is that the policy that protects these names? In other words, the protection applies only if the authorized entity is quick enough? Or am I misunderstanding what you are saying? Still need to listen to the Thursday Zoom on this. Thank you, Anne Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com On Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 4:53 AM Chris Disspain via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org> wrote: I agree with Ashley and Elaine. Cheers, CD Chris Disspain +44 7880 642456 <image001.jpg> On 10 Sep 2025, at 16:03, Pruis, Elaine via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org> wrote: Hello ICANN’s “Option 2: Reserved Names are protected based on who can apply for them, and also protected against other applied-for strings which are found confusingly similar during String Similarity Evaluation” would make more sense e IF the string similarity check was limited to the string on the Reserved list and applications for VARIANTS of that string, as ICANN provided this example in their paper: re̱dcross vs. redcross But there is no discussion in the proposal about limiting the string similarity check to variants of the reserved TLDs- So rodcross or redcress or redcrocs would be evaluated under Option 2 and most likely not proceed to delegation even if the party the string was reserved for does not apply (…“any similar string to Reserved Name cannot proceed and so cannot be delegated at any time”.) I agree with Ashely that is not the intention of the policy and we are not to create new policy. Therefore, “Option 1: Reserved Names are only protected based on who can apply for them, but go through String Similarity Evaluation like any other applied-for string if it is applied-for. a. Only entities for which Reserved Names are reserved for can apply for them, based on the process noted in AGB. b. Reserved Names will not be given any protection against similar strings”. Is the best way forward Elaine From: Ashley Roberts via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org> Reply-To: Ashley Roberts <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com> Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:59 AM To: Elisa Busetto <elisa.busetto@icann.org>, "subpro-irt@icann.org" <subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Elisa and Sarmad, Thanks for summarising the issue and offering two potential solutions. However, I disagree with ICANN’s conclusion that we should adopt option 2, as that would be creating new policy. Option 2 proposes to: In the case of contention between an IGO/RC/IOC applicant and a non-IGO/RC/IOC applicant, give priority to the IGO/RC/IOC applicant. This would create an entirely new method of priority for resolving contention. Include the Reserved Names list strings in the standard string similarity review performed by the ICANN evaluators. This is a reversal of the policy from the 2012 round, when Strings Ineligible for Delegation (as Reserved Names were known at the time) were explicitly excluded from the string similarity review. The paper asserts that “…based on remaining recommendations in SubPro and IDN EPDP Phase 1, ICANN proposes to move forward with option 2…”. However, I don’t believe there are any policy recommendations in either SubPro or the IDN EPDP Phase 1 which allow for either of the above rules. The original policy from the 2012 round AGB states in section 2.2.1.2.3 that: “the following [strings ineligible for delegation] names are prohibited from delegation as gTLDs in the initial application round. Future application rounds may differ according to consideration of further policy advice. These names are not being placed on the Top-Level Reserved Names List, and thus are not part of the string similarity review conducted for names on that list.” The SubPro final report affirmed the continuation of the 2012 rules on this topic in Affirmation 24.2: “…the Working Group affirms the standard used in the String Similarity Review from the 2012 round to determine whether an applied-for string is “similar” to any existing TLD, any other applied-for strings, Reserved Names, and in the case of 2-character IDNs, any single character or any 2-character ASCII string.” Note it does not list “strings ineligible for delegation” (i.e. the IGO/RC/IOC names) as a type of string subject to string similarity review. Similarly, section 4.4.1 of the IDN EPDP phase 1 report is clear on the types of name which are subject to string similarity review and “strings ineligible for delegation” are not among them: “If an applied-for primary gTLD string or any of its variant label(s) is confusingly similar to an existing gTLD, an existing ccTLD, a New gTLD Program Reserved Name*, a two-character ASCII string, or any of the variant label(s) of the aforementioned categories of strings, the entire variant label set of the applied-for primary gTLD string will be ineligible to proceed in the application process.” Thus, implementing the two above rules proposed by option 2 would be creating new policy, which is not the job of the IRT. Whereas option 2 would create new policy, the path outlined in option 1 is consistent with existing policy. Therefore, option 1 is the only viable option outlined in your paper. Please note that both the SubPro and EPDP final reports use the old definition of “Reserved Names”, which is a little confusing. In those reports, the relevant term to describe the IOC/RC/IOC names is “strings ineligible for delegation”. For clarity and completeness you may want to make this clear in the annex of your paper. * Definitions of New gTLD Program Reserved Names and Strings Ineligible for Delegation, used by the IDN EPDP per their Final Report: New gTLD Program Reserved Name: A string that is reserved to maintain the exclusive rights to the names of ICANN, its bodies, or essential related functions of ICANN and IANA. For a full list of New gTLD Program Reserved Names, see Section 2.2.1.2.1 of the 2012 Applicant Guidebook. In addition, the SubPro PDP recommended adding “PTI” to the New gTLD Program Reserved Names list. String Ineligible for Delegation: A string that is ineligible for delegation in order to provide special protections at the top-level and second-level for the names and acronyms of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) which receive protections under treaties and statutes across multiple jurisdictions. Those organizations specifically include the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement (RCRC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). I hope that makes sense. Please shout if anything in my explanation is unclear. Kind regards, Ashley Ashley Roberts Head of New TLD Consultancy Com Laude T +44 (0) 20 7421 8250 Ext 264 <image001.png> [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] Follow us on LinkedIn [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] and YouTube [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] Error! Filename not specified. From: Elisa Busetto via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org> Sent: 05 September 2025 12:10 To: subpro-irt@icann.org Subject: [SubPro-IRT] String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names Hello IRT, We have just published a paper concerning the String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names on the wiki page of meeting #158a: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB3Gw [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] Sarmad will go through it during the call, but it would be appreciated if you could already review it and provide any input you may have on list. Many thanks, Elisa The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential to the intended recipient. They may not be disclosed, used by or copied in any way by anyone other than the intended recipient. If you have received this message in error, please return it to the sender (deleting the body of the email and attachments in your reply) and immediately and permanently delete it. 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Elaine, Correct…IGO acronyms are NOT included. Cheers, CD Chris Disspain +44 7880 642456 
On 16 Sep 2025, at 16:22, Pruis, Elaine via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org> wrote:
Thanks. For 375 labels, we’re talking about what many in the IRT view as “EXTRA” protection because the Policy by super majority at https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/filefield_43533/council-board-igo... says “Top-Level protections of Exact Match, Full Name Because of the extent of these lists I am opposed to any new policy creation. Option 1 (not included in string similarity) or 3 (defer to later) are the way forward.
RedCross List: 24 Olympic List: 19 (see lists provided by Michael below)
ECOSOC list compiled by the UN : 142 (acronym codes are not includedright?) AfDB African Development Bank AU African Union ACP African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States OPANAL Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean CAN Andean Community CAF Andean Development Corporation ADB Asian Development Bank ALADI Asociación Latinoamericana de Integración ACS Association of Caribbean States ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations CARICOM Caribbean Community SICA Central American Integration System CSTO Collective Security Treaty Organization COI Commission de l’Océan Indien CFC Common Fund for Commodities CIS Commonwealth of Independent States CEN-SAD Community of Sahel-Saharan States CPLP Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa GCC Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf COE Council of Europe EAC East African Community ECCAS Economic Community of Central African States ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States ECO Economic Cooperation Organization ENCHARTER Energy Charter Conference EABR Eurasian Development Bank EurAsEC EurAsian Economic Community CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research EU European Union HCCH Hague Conference on Private International Law IADB Inter-American Development Bank IGAD Intergovernmental Authority on Development ICMPD International Centre for Migration Policy Development ICC-CPI International Criminal Court IDLO International Development Law Organization IHFFC International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission IHO International Hydrographic Organization IDEA International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance IOM International Organization for Migration IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency ISA International Seabed Authority ITLOS International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea IDB Islamic Development Bank Group IILA Italian-Latin American Institute SELA Latin American and Caribbean Economic System PARLATINO Latin American Parliament LAS League of Arab States OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OIF Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie OECS Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States OIC Organisation of Islamic Cooperation GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development OAS Organization of American States BSEC Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation FORUMSEC Pacific Islands Forum PCA Permanent Court of Arbitration SCO Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SOUTHCENTRE South Centre SADC Southern African Development Community OFID The OPEC Fund for International Development UEMOA Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine UNASUR Union of South American Nations WCO World Customs Organization AIPO African Intellectual Property Organization APPA African Petroleum Producers Association ARIPO African Regional Intellectual Property Organization ACTO Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization ASEAN Promotion Centre on Trade, Investment, and Tourism a) APO Asian Productivity Organization BIS Bank for International Settlements BOIP Benelux Organization for Intellectual Property BSTDP Black Sea Trade and Development Bank BIPM Bureau International des Poids et Mesures CTU Carribean Telecommunications Union BCEAO Central Bank of West African States CEPT Conférence européenne des administrations des postes et des télécommunications CEB Council of Europe Development Bank EFTACOURT EFTA Court EFTASURV EFTA Surveillance Authority EUCLID EUCLID University EAPO Eurasian Patent Organization EURATOM European Atomic Energy Community EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ECB European Central Bank ECMWF European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts EC European Commission ECMT European Conference of Ministers of Transport EUCO European Council EEAS European External Action Service EFI European Forest Institute EFTA European Free Trade Association EIB European Investment Bank EMBL European Molecular Biology Laboratory ESO European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere EUROCONTROL European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation EP European Parliament EPO European Patent Office EPO European Patent Organisation EUROPOL European Police Office ESA European Space Agency FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations IIC Inter-American Investment Corporation IACA International Anti-Corruption Academy IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency CIHEAM International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies ICSID International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization ICCO International Cocoa Organization ICO International Coffee Organization ICJ-CIJ International Court of Justice IDA International Development Association IEA International Energy Agency BIE International Exhibitions Bureau IFC International Finance Corporation IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development UNIDROIT International Institute for the Unification of Private Law IJC International Joint Commission ILO International Labour Organization IMO International Maritime Organization IMSO International Mobile Satellite Organization IMF International Monetary Fund IOOC International Olive Oil Council INTERELECTRO International Organization for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the Field of the Electrotechnical Industry ISTC International Science and Technology Center ISO International Sugar Organization ITU International Telecommunication Union ITSO International Telecommunications Satellite Organization ITF International Transport Forum ITTO International Tropical Timber Organization UPOV International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants IWC International Whaling Commission ITER ITER International Fusion Energy Organization MRC Mekong River Commission MERCOSUR Mercado Común de Sur MIGA Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency NIB Nordic Investment Bank NPI Nordic Patent Institute NASCO North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization PICES North Pacific Marine Science Organization OCCAR Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation OHADA Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa OPCW Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons OIV Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries SPC Pacific Community PAHO Pan American Health Organization PUASP Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal CTBTO Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization COMESA The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa BENELUX Union Benelux UN United Nations UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Expecting Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization UPU Universal Postal Union IBRD World Bank WHO World Health Organization WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization WMO World Meteorological Organization OIE World Organisation for Animal Health UNWTO World Tourism Organization WTO World Trade Organization AALCO Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization CICA Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia ICGLR International Conference on the Great Lakes Region of Africa INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization - INTERPOL IFAS International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe PAM Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean PPD Partners in Population and Development RECSA Regional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States COMMONWEALTH The Commonwealth UPEACE University for Peace INTRACEN International Trade Centre UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNWOMEN United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees /UN Refugee Agency UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme UNICC United Nations International Computing Centre UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East UNU United Nations University WFP World Food Programme
IGO List : 192 AARP Academic Council on the United Nations System Adventist Development and Relief Agency African Network of Young Leaders for Peace and Sustainable Development Agence internationale pour le développement Al-Khoei Foundation Asia Crime Prevention Foundation Asian Legal Resource Centre Association for Progressive Communications Association for Women’s Rights in Development Association of Medical Doctors of Asia AVSI Foundation Biovision Stiftung für ökologische Entwicklung Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University CARE International Caritas Internationalis Centre de recherches et de promotion pour la sauvegarde des sites et monuments historiques en Afrique Centre Europe-tiers monde Centro di Ricerca e Documentazione Febbraio 74 China NGO Network for International Exchanges Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries CIDSE CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation Colombian Confederation of NGOs Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches Confederación Latinoamericana de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations Congregations of St. Joseph Consumers International Convention of Independent Financial Advisors Covenant House DEVNET Association Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration Environmental Development Action in the Third World Femmes Afrique solidarité Foundation for the Social Promotion of Culture/Fundación Promoción Soci al de la Cultura Foundation for the Support of the United Nations Franciscans International Friends World Committee for Consultation Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo Global Economist Forum Good Neighbors International Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council of North and South America Greenpeace International HelpAge International Humane Society of the United States Imam Ali’s Popular Students Relief Society Institute of International Law Institute of Noahide Code InterAction: American Council for Voluntary International Action International Alliance of Women International Association for Religious Freedom International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, association sans but lucratif International Association of Lions Clubs International Association of Peace Foundations International Association of Soldiers for Peace International Association of University Professors and Lecturers International Center for Research on Women International Cooperative Alliance International Council of Environmental Law International Council of Voluntary Agencies International Council of Women International Council on Management of Population Programmes International Council on Social Welfare International Electrotechnical Commission International Eurasia Press Fund International Federation for Family Development International Federation of Associations of the Elderly International Federation of Business and Professional Women International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres International Federation on Ageing International Health Awareness Network International Higher Education Academy of Sciences International Human Rights & Anti-Corruption Society International Indian Treaty Council International Informatization Academy International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies International Institute of Administrative Sciences International Movement ATD Fourth World International Organization for Standardization International Organization of Employers International Planned Parenthood Federation International Road Transport Union International Trade Union Confederation International Transport Workers’ Federation International Union of Economists International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations Inter-Press Service International Association Islamic Relief USA Junior Chamber International Lazarus Union Legião da Boa Vontade/Legion of Good Will Liberal International Make Mothers Matter Médecins du monde Médecins sans frontières Muslim World League National Council of Negro Women New Humanity Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty ONG Hope International Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement Internationa l Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities Oxfam International Parliamentarians for Global Action Perfect Union Plan International, Inc. RESO-Femmes Rotary International Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Russian Peace Foundation Save the Children International Socialist International Society for International Development Soroptimist International Sulabh International The Fishermen The Sant Nirankari Mandal, Delhi United Cities and Local Governments United Nations Association of China United Nations Association of Russia Universal Peace Federation Voluntary Service Overseas Women’s Federation for World Peace International Women’s International Democratic Federation World Animal Protection World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Blind Union World Conference of Religions for Peace World Family Organization World Federation of Trade Unions World Federation of United Nations Associations World Information Transfer World Muslim Congress World Organization of the Scout Movement World Veterans Federation World Vision International World Wide Fund for Nature International Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa Zonta International
(Not too long to put in an email)
Elaine
From: Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org <mailto:michael.karakash@icann.org>> Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 3:58 PM To: Elaine Pruis <epruis@verisign.com <mailto:epruis@verisign.com>> Cc: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>>, Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org <mailto:lars.hoffmann@icann.org>>, Sarmad Hussain <sarmad.hussain@icann.org <mailto:sarmad.hussain@icann.org>>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>>, "subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>" <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [Ext] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
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Hi Elaine,
No problem at all. For the first two sources I’m adding the strings directly; however, for the last 2 sources I’ve pasted the link as there are too many to add directly in this email.
The Reserved Names list is composed of strings on the following lists:
Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Crystal, Red Lion & Sun (in all 6 official UN languages). See image below for these strings:
<image001.png>
Olympic and Olympiad (in all 6 official UN languages plus German, Greek, and Korean). See image below for these strings:
<image002.png>
ECOSOC list compiled by the UN (Only the 142 organizations in General Consultative Status in English only, on page 3) See here: https://docs.un.org/en/E/2023/INF/5
All of the strings on this IGO list created by the GAC:https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/dryden-to-crocker-chala... <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1lUa5InSm-fvKILyg1RZVrZJcl31NbTZOK3EaxeCZsqod47...>
I hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thank you!
Best,
Michael
From: "Pruis, Elaine" <epruis@verisign.com <mailto:epruis@verisign.com>> Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 2:46 AM To: Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org <mailto:michael.karakash@icann.org>> Cc: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>>, Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org <mailto:lars.hoffmann@icann.org>>, Sarmad Hussain <sarmad.hussain@icann.org <mailto:sarmad.hussain@icann.org>>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>>, "subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>" <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Subject: Re: Re: [Ext] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
Sorry to be daft, but which strings exactly are reserved at the top level? The list of strings at the link below are in the many hundreds and say (reserved at the second level” Would you kindly paste the top level Reserved List in reply? Thanks. Elaine
On Sep 15, 2025, at 6:35 PM, Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org <mailto:michael.karakash@icann.org>> wrote:
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Hi Anne,
In the AGB for the strings on the Reserved Names list we say:
“The following Limited International IGO-INGOs strings are on the Reserved Names list and may be applied for through an exception process only by the relevant entity, provided it submits appropriate documentation as detailed in 6.2.2.2 below: Names added based on recommendations from the IGO-INGO PDP Working Group regarding the protections of IGO-INGO identifiers in all gTLDs, including their allocatable variant strings, are eligible for delegation upon verification. These include: Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC), International Olympic Committee (IOC), and International Governmental Organization (IGO) – International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO) Names.”
We also include multiple footnotes to clarify the source of the lists (in text).
We can look at the IGO-INGO PDP policy recommendations which is more specific as to what strings are on the Reserved Names lists. The GNSO Council Report to the ICANN Board lays it out clearly in Scope 1 of each recommendation: https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/filefield_43533/council-board-igo... [secure-web.cisco.com] <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1wsb3KHWW2dL5_dt-Y62ccFjloookhIu1GrBXRwNEz4o1f9...>
The recommendations point to the source of the strings (the GAC list), the ECOSOC General Consultative status list maintained by the UN, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent strings. ICANN has also included these strings on the bottom of this page here (Bullets 1 and 2): https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/registry-operators/services/rese... [secure-web.cisco.com] <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1wytTopknfNpHA5CmMVHxsoYhBEqX_W1r9_m08u2NtV2APc...>.
Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions.
Thank you!
Best,
Michael
From: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>> Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 8:22 AM To: Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org <mailto:lars.hoffmann@icann.org>> Cc: "Pruis, Elaine" <epruis@verisign.com <mailto:epruis@verisign.com>>, Sarmad Hussain <sarmad.hussain@icann.org <mailto:sarmad.hussain@icann.org>>, Michael Karakash <michael.karakash@icann.org <mailto:michael.karakash@icann.org>>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>>, "subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>" <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Subject: [Ext] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
P.S. Of course I know that we are talking about Top Level Reserved Names whereas the second level names which registries can reserve in the next round are completely different. Just trying to figure out if there are any other Top Level Reserved Names other than these particular IGO/NGO names?
Thank you, Anne
Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>
On Mon, Sep 15, 2025 at 8:05 AM Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>> wrote: Many thanks Lars - very helpful. Are the IGO/NGO names the ONLY Reserved Names? (I may be confused with second level names that a registry is allowed to reserve - which went from 100 to 500 names in the next round?)
Again, apologies for my lack of background on this but really need to understand the facts. Anne
Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>
On Sat, Sep 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM Lars Hoffmann <lars.hoffmann@icann.org <mailto:lars.hoffmann@icann.org>> wrote: Hi Anne, A few answers to your questions in blue below, I am inviting @Sarmad Hussain <mailto:sarmad.hussain@icann.org>and @Michael Karakash <mailto:michael.karakash@icann.org> to chime in on Monday, too. Best. Lars
From: Anne ICANN via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Reply to: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>> Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025 at 20:22 To: "Pruis, Elaine" <epruis@verisign.com <mailto:epruis@verisign.com>> Cc: "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>>, "subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>" <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Subject: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
Thanks Elaine and staff. Where I am a bit hung up is as follows: I cannot conclude from the approved policy language that no other blocked name policy/procedure will apply to these "protected strings". In other words, I thought that based on past policy re blocked string status (ineligible for delegation), a string that is confusingly similar to a blocked string will not be delegated. Important to bear in mind that blocked names are different to what was referred to as ‘strings not eligible for delegation’ – the former are still called blocked names. these cannot be applied for by anyone, and all applied-for strings will be evaluated against these block names for string similarity. In case an applied-for string is found confusingly similar with a blocked name, the applied-for string cannot proceed. The question of whether reserved names, so names that can only be obtained by a specific organization for which the name has been in fact reserved (and these used to be called ‘strings ineligible for delegation’) should be part of the string similarity evaluation, too, is what is now being discussed.
Are we distinguishing between Blocked Names and Reserved Names and saying that Reserved Names are not subject to a policy which prohibits delegation of a similar string? Yes, there is a clear difference between blocked and reserved names (see above). See also above.
Generally speaking, is a new string that is judged to be similar to a Reserved Name string ineligible for delegation or not? Reminder that the terminology has changed. A reserved name is what the 2012 AGB referred to as a ‘string ineligible for delegation’. The IGO INGO identifiers are no reserved names and ICANN proposed to evaluate all applied-for strings against the reserved names list as these strings are ‘protected’ per 2013 policy recommendations. The clear majority of the IRT (of those who have spoken up) disagrees with this, arguing that only the exact name is protected and confusingly similar names can be delegated, meaning that applied for strings should NOT be evaluated for string similarity against the reserved names list, because that was the policy in 2012.
And do applicants know this when they read the Reserved Names List? Yes, it is a list that is determined by policy
How is the Reserved Names List determined? Policy – which, if I recall directly – also built on GAC advice and input from IGO/INGO, e.g., see here the public comment from the Red Cross on the IGO/INGO PDP Initial Report: https://forum.icann.org/lists/comments-igo-ingo-initial-14jun13/msg00000.htm... [forum.icann.org] [secure-web.cisco.com] <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1LAmTJctEc443zdLOuVfeZxBfoP4vxw3CVkFlwXx5MRxSf5...>
It sounds as though many IRT participants are saying that Reserved Names do not enjoy any protection from confusingly similar strings. Is that correct? Yes. I would say even that it is a clear majority of those that have spoken up on the call and on list.
Or are we saying that Reserved Names are protected against delegation of confusingly similar strings but .redcross, .olympic, etc, are not so protected? Redcross etc. are reserved names because the red cross can apply for .redcross, but no one else can.
I could be misunderstanding the deliberations on these "protected organizations" and "protected strings". Definitely need to understand this better. Please help.
Anne
Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>
On Fri, Sep 12, 2025 at 3:46 PM Pruis, Elaine <epruis@verisign.com <mailto:epruis@verisign.com>> wrote: I believe the intention of the policy is to only allow The Red Cross to be the contracted party to operate .redcross. ICANN put forward two options that were developed while considering the policies and establishing the string similarity rules. I do not believe the policy allows for The Red Cross to “block” any applied for string that might “look like” .redcross, which is what the outcome of Option 2 from ICANN would be.
Since there has been some discussion on the list since the call, I can support Katrin (and Mike’s) proposal to allow The Red Cross to later acquire .redcross even if there is a similar string delegated in this round. Ie, regardless of string similarity outcomes The Red Cross gets .redcross.
Elaine
From: Anne ICANN <anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>> Date: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:14 AM To: Chris Disspain <chris.disspain@identity.digital <mailto:chris.disspain@identity.digital>> Cc: Elaine Pruis <epruis@verisign.com <mailto:epruis@verisign.com>>, "ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>" <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>>, "subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>" <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
Caution: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Thanks Chris, Elaine, and Ashley, Could you please clarify what you believe to be the intention of the policy? For example, Is it to permit the .redcross string to proceed only if it applied for in the same round as .rodcross (not later) and to allow it to proceed in spite of the string similarity?
Are you saying the policy is:
1. .Redcross is permitted to proceed in a concurrent round regardless of Similarity - so both .redcross and .rodcross proceed if applied for in the same round?
2. . Redcross WILL BE SUBJECT to string similarity review and cannot proceed if a prior similar string like .rodcross has in fact been awarded?
Is that the policy that protects these names? In other words, the protection applies only if the authorized entity is quick enough? Or am I misunderstanding what you are saying?
Still need to listen to the Thursday Zoom on this.
Thank you, Anne
Anne Aikman-Scalese GNSO Councilor NomCom Non-Voting 2022-2026 anneicanngnso@gmail.com <mailto:anneicanngnso@gmail.com>
On Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 4:53 AM Chris Disspain via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> wrote: I agree with Ashley and Elaine.
Cheers,
CD
Chris Disspain
+44 7880 642456
<image001.jpg>
On 10 Sep 2025, at 16:03, Pruis, Elaine via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> wrote:
Hello
ICANN’s “Option 2: Reserved Names are protected based on who can apply for them, and also protected against other applied-for strings which are found confusingly similar during String Similarity Evaluation” would make more sense e IF the string similarity check was limited to the string on the Reserved list and applications for VARIANTS of that string, as ICANN provided this example in their paper: re̱dcross vs. redcross But there is no discussion in the proposal about limiting the string similarity check to variants of the reserved TLDs- So rodcross or redcress or redcrocs would be evaluated under Option 2 and most likely not proceed to delegation even if the party the string was reserved for does not apply (…“any similar string to Reserved Name cannot proceed and so cannot be delegated at any time”.)
I agree with Ashely that is not the intention of the policy and we are not to create new policy.
Therefore, “Option 1: Reserved Names are only protected based on who can apply for them, but go through String Similarity Evaluation like any other applied-for string if it is applied-for. a. Only entities for which Reserved Names are reserved for can apply for them, based on the process noted in AGB. b. Reserved Names will not be given any protection against similar strings”.
Is the best way forward
Elaine
From: Ashley Roberts via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Reply-To: Ashley Roberts <ashley.roberts@comlaude.com <mailto:ashley.roberts@comlaude.com>> Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:59 AM To: Elisa Busetto <elisa.busetto@icann.org <mailto:elisa.busetto@icann.org>>, "subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>" <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Subject: [EXTERNAL] [SubPro-IRT] Re: String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
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Hi Elisa and Sarmad,
Thanks for summarising the issue and offering two potential solutions. However, I disagree with ICANN’s conclusion that we should adopt option 2, as that would be creating new policy.
Option 2 proposes to:
In the case of contention between an IGO/RC/IOC applicant and a non-IGO/RC/IOC applicant, give priority to the IGO/RC/IOC applicant. This would create an entirely new method of priority for resolving contention. Include the Reserved Names list strings in the standard string similarity review performed by the ICANN evaluators. This is a reversal of the policy from the 2012 round, when Strings Ineligible for Delegation (as Reserved Names were known at the time) were explicitly excluded from the string similarity review.
The paper asserts that “…based on remaining recommendations in SubPro and IDN EPDP Phase 1, ICANN proposes to move forward with option 2…”. However, I don’t believe there are any policy recommendations in either SubPro or the IDN EPDP Phase 1 which allow for either of the above rules. The original policy from the 2012 round AGB states in section 2.2.1.2.3 that: “the following [strings ineligible for delegation] names are prohibited from delegation as gTLDs in the initial application round. Future application rounds may differ according to consideration of further policy advice. These names are not being placed on the Top-Level Reserved Names List, and thus are not part of the string similarity review conducted for names on that list.” The SubPro final report affirmed the continuation of the 2012 rules on this topic in Affirmation 24.2: “…the Working Group affirms the standard used in the String Similarity Review from the 2012 round to determine whether an applied-for string is “similar” to any existing TLD, any other applied-for strings, Reserved Names, and in the case of 2-character IDNs, any single character or any 2-character ASCII string.” Note it does not list “strings ineligible for delegation” (i.e. the IGO/RC/IOC names) as a type of string subject to string similarity review.
Similarly, section 4.4.1 of the IDN EPDP phase 1 report is clear on the types of name which are subject to string similarity review and “strings ineligible for delegation” are not among them: “If an applied-for primary gTLD string or any of its variant label(s) is confusingly similar to an existing gTLD, an existing ccTLD, a New gTLD Program Reserved Name*, a two-character ASCII string, or any of the variant label(s) of the aforementioned categories of strings, the entire variant label set of the applied-for primary gTLD string will be ineligible to proceed in the application process.”
Thus, implementing the two above rules proposed by option 2 would be creating new policy, which is not the job of the IRT. Whereas option 2 would create new policy, the path outlined in option 1 is consistent with existing policy. Therefore, option 1 is the only viable option outlined in your paper.
Please note that both the SubPro and EPDP final reports use the old definition of “Reserved Names”, which is a little confusing. In those reports, the relevant term to describe the IOC/RC/IOC names is “strings ineligible for delegation”. For clarity and completeness you may want to make this clear in the annex of your paper.
* Definitions of New gTLD Program Reserved Names and Strings Ineligible for Delegation, used by the IDN EPDP per their Final Report: New gTLD Program Reserved Name: A string that is reserved to maintain the exclusive rights to the names of ICANN, its bodies, or essential related functions of ICANN and IANA. For a full list of New gTLD Program Reserved Names, see Section 2.2.1.2.1 of the 2012 Applicant Guidebook. In addition, the SubPro PDP recommended adding “PTI” to the New gTLD Program Reserved Names list. String Ineligible for Delegation: A string that is ineligible for delegation in order to provide special protections at the top-level and second-level for the names and acronyms of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) which receive protections under treaties and statutes across multiple jurisdictions. Those organizations specifically include the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement (RCRC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
I hope that makes sense. Please shout if anything in my explanation is unclear.
Kind regards, Ashley
Ashley Roberts Head of New TLD Consultancy Com Laude T +44 (0) 20 7421 8250 Ext 264
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Follow us on LinkedIn [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1GhaQI_b32kg4EyijtauFRnrL4bjt1elcA-B3aTRkTlipLX...> and YouTube [secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1nOHid_82wLi44onNFs6TTE200MsCXWf_oSab6Cdqkc9Bb1...> Error! Filename not specified. From: Elisa Busetto via SubPro-IRT <subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org>> Sent: 05 September 2025 12:10 To: subpro-irt@icann.org <mailto:subpro-irt@icann.org> Subject: [SubPro-IRT] String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names
Hello IRT,
We have just published a paper concerning the String Similarity Assessment of Reserved Names on the wiki page of meeting #158a: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB3Gw[secure-web.cisco.com] [secure-web.cisco.com] <https://secure-web.cisco.com/10E2iNtOdHOefwNoJpe11Rv6fuYH4wKW_lcoid3uG0_Pqrg...>
Sarmad will go through it during the call, but it would be appreciated if you could already review it and provide any input you may have on list.
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participants (2)
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Chris Disspain -
Pruis, Elaine