The Web’s Long-Overdue Domain Name

The Internet’s newest top-level domain (TLD), .web, has finally been added to global DNS servers. However, the story behind its delayed arrival is a complex one, involving bureaucratic wrangling and questionable business practices.

ICANN’s auction process for gTLDs has long been criticized as favoring large corporations over smaller players. The .web domain was proposed by the Internet Ad Hoc Committee in 1997 but languished on ICANN’s backburner despite repeated attempts by Image Online Design to register and administer it. In 2016, ICANN auctioned off the .web domain for a staggering $135 million to NU DOT CO LLC, a shell company with ties to Verisign.

Verisign would eventually emerge as the administrator of .web, but allegations of shady dealings have long surrounded its involvement in the process. The fact that Verisign submitted its bid through a proxy company raises questions about the legitimacy of the auction. ICANN’s own rules prohibit participation by existing registrars, and it seems clear that Verisign found a way to circumvent this rule.

The resulting legal wrangling has been ongoing for years, with one competitor, Afillas (now Altanovo), contesting the result and even drawing in the US Department of Justice. This controversy highlights ICANN’s inconsistent approach to fairness and transparency.

ICANN claims to promote competition among TLDs but seems willing to bend or break its own rules when big players are involved. The auction process for gTLDs has been criticized as favoring those with deep pockets over smaller players, leading to a proliferation of niche TLDs such as .guitars and .duck. The addition of .web will only add fuel to this fire.

The real issue here is not just about the .web domain itself but also about ICANN’s accountability. If Verisign’s actions are deemed acceptable, what does that say about the organization’s values? Will it continue to prioritize big business over fairness and transparency?

As we welcome .web into the TLD fold, we must ask whether this is a step forward for the internet or just another example of ICANN’s willingness to accommodate powerful interests. Only time will tell if Verisign’s administration of .web will bring benefits to users or simply line its own pockets.

The web domain saga serves as a reminder that the internet is not immune to real-world politics and corruption. As we move forward, it’s essential to scrutinize ICANN’s actions and ensure that they align with the public interest. Anything less risks undermining the very fabric of our online world.