An empirical analysis of Internet top-level domain policy

Journal article

The process of introducing new top-level domain names (TLDs) for use on the Internet, which is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is fraught with rhetoric about an increase in costs and abuses, or an increase in choice and reduction in scarcity. Mr. Nichols argues that there has been very little empirical research on the potential impact of new TLDs, and analyzes issues of cost and scarcity in domain name registration practices. Mr. Nicholls concludes that some of the perceived threats of new TLDs have not manifested though others have, and that data-driven research is necessary.

Authors: Nicholls, T

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Institute for Information Policy, Pennsylvania State University
• Journal: Journal of Information Policy
• Volume: 3
• Pages: 464-484
• Publication date: 2013-01-01
• Edition: Publisher's version
• DOI: 10.5325/jinfopoli.3.2013.0464
• EISSN: 2158-3897
• ISSN: 2381-5892
• Language: English
• Keywords: DNS; information policy; gTLDs; top level domains; cybersquatting; ICANN; internet policy; TLDs
• Subjects: Internet research; Public policy