Closed Generics Revisited Policy Updates for the 2026 Round

The topic of closed generics has resurfaced as a pivotal and contentious policy issue in the lead-up to the 2026 round of the ICANN New gTLD Program. A closed generic, in the context of domain names, refers to a top-level domain string composed of a generic term—such as .book, .music, or .store—operated by a single entity without open registration to the public. In the 2012 application round, closed generics emerged as one of the most hotly debated topics, leading to a policy impasse that left many applications unresolved or withdrawn. For 2026, ICANN has taken steps to clarify and update the rules surrounding these applications, attempting to strike a balance between innovation, competition, public interest, and fair access.

In the 2012 round, numerous high-profile companies submitted applications for closed generic strings, intending to operate them as proprietary namespaces. Amazon’s application for .book, Google’s bid for .search, and other similar applications ignited concern among governments, civil society organizations, and business competitors. The core concern was that private ownership of generic terms might create gatekeeping or monopolistic control over entire categories of commerce, speech, or knowledge on the internet. This culminated in Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) advice that led ICANN to put many closed generic applications on indefinite hold.

For the 2026 round, the conversation has evolved considerably. Recognizing both the legitimate concerns and the innovation potential of closed generics, ICANN launched a dedicated policy development process and extensive community consultation to determine how such applications should be handled moving forward. The result is a new framework that does not ban closed generics outright but introduces a structured, conditional path for their approval and operation. This path centers around three pillars: demonstrable public interest, equitable access, and strong oversight.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a Public Interest Application Framework specifically for closed generics. Under this framework, an applicant seeking to operate a generic string in a closed model must demonstrate how the proposed use of the TLD will serve a broader societal good. This includes providing detailed descriptions of the mission and purpose of the TLD, outlining how the registry will support public benefit outcomes, and explaining how potential harms will be mitigated. For example, an application for .health as a closed generic would need to show how its restricted use would enhance access to trusted health information, contribute to global health goals, and avoid exclusionary practices that might suppress legitimate competitors or stakeholders.

Applicants must also engage in a mandatory public comment period prior to formal submission. This early engagement is designed to surface concerns from industry groups, governments, and users before ICANN’s evaluation begins. Any substantial objections raised during this phase will trigger a more in-depth review process involving expert panels and public interest assessments. The goal is to ensure that closed generics are not approved through a purely technical or procedural lens but are evaluated in terms of their potential impact on internet openness, competition, and user choice.

In addition, ICANN has established new contractual and operational requirements for approved closed generics. These include commitments to transparency, non-discriminatory practices, and periodic third-party audits. Registries operating a closed generic must publish annual reports detailing how the TLD is being used, how it aligns with the original public interest commitments, and how any complaints or disputes have been addressed. Non-compliance with these commitments could result in sanctions, including suspension or termination of the registry agreement.

To ensure equitable access to valuable linguistic and cultural resources, ICANN’s framework also gives special consideration to generic terms that have broad societal relevance or multilingual significance. Applications for closed generics in highly sensitive or globally meaningful categories—such as .education, .news, or .water—may be subject to additional review by independent panels with expertise in human rights, competition policy, or public governance. This reflects a shift in ICANN’s role from purely technical administrator to a more active custodian of the public trust in the domain name system.

Furthermore, the 2026 policy updates draw a distinction between different use cases for closed generics. Applications with clear vertical integration—such as a manufacturer using .shoes to organize its own inventory and retail presence—may be viewed more favorably than those that seek to broadly control an industry category without offering meaningful public benefit. This risk-based differentiation is designed to allow innovation while preventing the misuse of generic terms as digital fortresses.

ICANN has also created avenues for community-based or multi-stakeholder applications to propose shared governance models for generic terms. This opens the door for coalitions of NGOs, industry groups, or public entities to apply for closed generics under a cooperative structure, particularly when the term relates to public interest missions. These collaborative applications can demonstrate a shared commitment to transparency and open access, making them more likely to pass policy scrutiny and gain broad support.

Finally, the procedural predictability of the 2026 round is expected to improve the closed generics landscape. With clearer rules, defined timelines, and a dedicated evaluation track, applicants now have a better understanding of how such applications will be handled. Unlike in 2012, where uncertainty and midstream policy changes led to frustration and confusion, the current framework offers a structured path for consideration, complete with risk mitigation and accountability mechanisms.

The 2026 approach to closed generics reflects a maturation of internet governance. Rather than rejecting the model outright or granting unfettered control, ICANN has sought to mediate between commercial interest and public responsibility. For applicants considering closed generic TLDs, the stakes remain high, but so too does the opportunity to create innovative, trusted, and mission-aligned digital ecosystems. As the application window opens, those with compelling public benefit propositions and robust operational plans will find that the door to closed generics, once tightly shut, is now cautiously and conditionally open.

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The topic of closed generics has resurfaced as a pivotal and contentious policy issue in the lead-up to the 2026 round of the ICANN New gTLD Program. A closed generic, in the context of domain names, refers to a top-level domain string composed of a generic term—such as .book, .music, or .store—operated by a single…