ICANN Opens Applications for New Internet Domains
The internet governance body is accepting requests for new top-level domains for the first time since 2012.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
Live Poll
Should companies be allowed to control brand and AI terms as top-level internet domains?
ICANN has officially opened a new round of applications for top-level internet domains. Applicants are currently seeking control over a variety of specific brand names and trending AI-related terms.
Why it matters
This process allows organizations to secure custom web extensions, which can fundamentally reshape how companies maintain their digital presence. Trademark holders will soon have the chance to challenge applications that may conflict with their own intellectual property.
This application window marks the first time since 2012 that ICANN has accepted requests for new top-level internet domains. The registry expansion targets a wide array of brand names and specific AI-related terminology.
The players
ICANN
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is a nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces and numerical spaces of the internet.
The details
Companies are submitting applications to gain control over new internet suffixes, which could impact the structure of the web. The process is now underway globally, with a focus on capturing both corporate identities and emerging technology labels.
Timeline
2012: The previous round of ICANN domain applications took place.
October 2026: The current application round was revealed.
November 2026: The objections period for trademark owners begins.
The Tech Race
This current application round follows the structure and guidelines set by the 2012 ICANN New gTLD Program. It reflects the ongoing effort by major brands to secure digital real estate in an increasingly crowded online landscape.
Users may eventually encounter a wider variety of website extensions beyond traditional options like .com or .org as new domains are approved. This transition could change how consumers navigate the web and identify official brand websites.
The takeaway
Securing a top-level domain can provide significant long-term branding advantages for companies navigating the digital era. Stakeholders should prepare to monitor upcoming announcements to determine if their intellectual property is affected by new registry requests.
What happens next
The objections period for trademark owners to challenge potentially conflicting domain extensions is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the implications of digital branding and terminology, visit Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlex.
Live Poll
Should companies be allowed to control brand and AI terms as top-level internet domains?
