Category: 2026 New gTLD Program

The 2026 new gTLD program introduces a broader and more complex domain name ecosystem, amplifying the importance of tools and policies that support cybersecurity, transparency, and accountability. Among these tools, zone file access stands as a vital resource for security researchers, DNS abuse investigators, law enforcement, and other stakeholders who rely on up-to-date domain data…

In the increasingly saturated and competitive domain name ecosystem ushered in by the 2026 new gTLD program, the importance of building a distinct and memorable registry brand identity has never been greater. With hundreds of new top-level domains expected to enter the global digital marketplace, standing out in a crowd of similarly structured offerings is…

As the global regulatory and business landscape continues to shift toward greater accountability, the 2026 new gTLD program presents an opportunity for registry operators to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the very architecture of their operations. Incorporating ESG reporting is no longer a peripheral or optional activity confined to publicly traded corporations…

The 2026 new gTLD program represents a turning point not only in the expansion of the domain name system but in how registry operators engage with end users. One of the most significant evolutions taking place is the move toward marketplace integration and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales models. In previous rounds, the standard operating framework for…

As the 2026 new gTLD program accelerates the expansion of the internet’s namespace, it brings with it both opportunity and responsibility. With hundreds of new top-level domains entering the global market, the risk of malicious actors exploiting these spaces for phishing, malware distribution, botnet command-and-control, and other forms of DNS abuse has increased in both…

As the 2026 new gTLD program gains momentum, brand owners venturing into the digital namespace with their own .brand TLDs face an imperative beyond technical implementation: demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of their marketing efforts. While .brand domains promise enhanced control, security, and brand integrity, these benefits must be quantified through rigorous, data-driven marketing…

With the expansion of the Domain Name System through the 2026 new gTLD program, registry operators are under increasing pressure to ensure not only secure and compliant service delivery but also performance that meets modern user expectations. One of the most critical performance factors in today’s internet infrastructure is latency—the time it takes for a…

As the 2026 new gTLD program opens another chapter in the evolution of the domain name system, one of the most significant untapped opportunities lies in engaging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs make up more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a pivotal role in local economies, innovation ecosystems, and digital transformation.…

As the 2026 new gTLD application window approaches, one of the most consequential decisions for prospective applicants lies in the selection of a registry service provider. This decision, while often treated as a technical procurement exercise, has far-reaching implications for operational resilience, compliance viability, cost structure, and even long-term brand reputation. The updated Applicant Guidebook…

The 2026 round of the new gTLD program reintroduces a contentious and complex category of domain names: geographic TLDs. These top-level domains, which refer to cities, regions, countries, or culturally significant territories, remain under intense scrutiny by governments and intergovernmental bodies, particularly the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). In this latest round, the rules governing geographic…