Government advisory agency files domain name protests
A panel representing over 50 governmental bodies has filed a list of over 250 objections to new domain name proposals.
The Government Advisory Committee (GAC) provides advice to ICANN, who assumes responsibility for new top-level domain applications. At three meetings a year, GAC discusses issues with ICANN to do with proposals for new domain names, especially when they may impact international relationships or laws.
In June 2012, roughly 1,900 new applications were filed, including .calvinklein, .casino, .cloud, .gay and .pizza as alternatives for current domains including .com and .org.
However, GAC has listed objections for over 250 of the new domain name proposals. Dubbed the "Early warnings list", applicants are given a chance to argue their case and potentially recover some of the $185,000 fee required to request a new top-level domain.
Some of the warning list participants include religious tags and connotations, including .islam, .halal and .bible, as well as locations such as .africa, .roma, .persiangulf.
Also present are .wtf, .sucks, .fail and .gripe; military names including .navy, .airforce, .army, and generic terms such as .charity and .health.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is not bound by objections raised by the advisory committee, but according to the BBC, must produce "well reasoned arguments" when denying a request. If solutions are not found, GAC can lodge formal complaints next year.
A planned rollout of new top-level domains is planned for 2013.