SitePoint is fortunate to receive visitors from all over the world. However, the vast majority are from the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. As native English speakers, it’s easy to forget the billions of Russian, Chinese, Arabic and other computer users who do not speak the language. OS manufacturers make considerable efforts to internationalize their systems, yet entering a web address requires everyone to use the same 26-letter Latin alphabet for domain name suffixes such as .com, .org and .net.
All that will change on 16 November 2009. The board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has agreed a proposal that allows governments to apply for a domain name suffix using their own language and character set. The proposal was unopposed by the 15 voting members and received a standing ovation at the summit in Seoul, South Korea.
ICANN CEO Rod Beckstorm stated:
This represents one small step for ICANN but one big step for half of mankind who use non-Latin scripts, such as those in Korea, China and the Arabic-speaking world as well as across Asia, Africa, and the rest of the world.The Chinese government are expected to be one of the first applicants and ICANN expect the new addresses to be available in early 2010. Several rules will apply:
- Countries may only apply for one domain name suffix.
- The suffix must represent the name of the country or an abbreviation.
- Non-Latin versions of .com and .org will not be permitted yet, but ICANN is considering the implications further.
Frequently Asked Questions about International Domain Suffixes
What is the significance of international domain suffixes?
International domain suffixes, also known as top-level domains (TLDs), play a crucial role in the structure of the internet. They help in identifying the nature and geographical location of a website. For instance, a .edu suffix indicates an educational institution, while a .uk suffix signifies a website based in the United Kingdom. These suffixes aid in organizing the vast amount of information on the internet and make it easier for users to find relevant websites.
How can I acquire an international domain suffix?
To acquire an international domain suffix, you need to register your desired domain name with an accredited domain name registrar. The process involves checking the availability of your preferred domain name and suffix, and if available, you can proceed to purchase it. Keep in mind that some suffixes have specific requirements, such as residency or business presence in a particular country.
Are there any restrictions on who can register certain international domain suffixes?
Yes, some international domain suffixes have restrictions. For example, .gov is reserved for U.S. government entities, and .edu is for accredited post-secondary U.S. educational institutions. Some country-specific suffixes, like .eu for the European Union, require the registrant to be located in the specified region.
Can I change my domain suffix after registration?
Once a domain name is registered with a specific suffix, it cannot be changed. If you wish to use a different suffix, you would need to register a new domain name with the desired suffix.
How does an international domain suffix impact SEO?
An international domain suffix can impact SEO in terms of geo-targeting. For instance, a .uk domain can signal to search engines that your site is targeted towards users in the United Kingdom. However, the overall impact on SEO also depends on other factors like site content, backlinks, and user experience.
What is the role of ICANN in international domain suffixes?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for coordinating and managing the internet’s domain name system, including international domain suffixes. ICANN ensures the unique assignment of domain names and oversees the process of introducing new top-level domains.
Can I have multiple international domain suffixes for one website?
Yes, you can register multiple domain names with different suffixes for one website. This can be beneficial for businesses targeting multiple geographical locations or wanting to protect their brand name.
What is the difference between generic and country-specific international domain suffixes?
Generic international domain suffixes like .com, .net, .org are not tied to any specific country and are open for registration by anyone. On the other hand, country-specific suffixes like .uk, .us, .au represent specific countries and may have registration restrictions based on location.
How long does it take to register an international domain suffix?
The registration process for an international domain suffix is typically quick, often completed within a few hours. However, the time may vary depending on the registrar and the specific domain suffix.
Can I transfer my domain to a different registrar?
Yes, ICANN policies allow for the transfer of domain names between accredited registrars. However, there may be specific conditions to meet, and the process can take several days to complete. It’s recommended to check the transfer policies of both the current and prospective registrar.
Craig BucklerCraig is a freelance UK web consultant who built his first page for IE2.0 in 1995. Since that time he's been advocating standards, accessibility, and best-practice HTML5 techniques. He's created enterprise specifications, websites and online applications for companies and organisations including the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, the Department of Energy & Climate Change, Microsoft, and more. He's written more than 1,000 articles for SitePoint and you can find him @craigbuckler.
