ICANN ICANN's Technical Study Group on New gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems

[ICANN Content]

The global Domain Name System (DNS) is the standard naming system for the Internet, but it is not the only naming system on the Internet. Several current registry operators and potential 2026 Round applicants have indicated that they would like to offer registry services that associate some other naming system with the global DNS, using the same name in both systems in order to integrate them. The TSG will conduct an in-depth analysis to understand the potential security and stability ramifications of integrating generic top-level domains (gTLDs) with alternative naming systems.

Meet the Technical Study Group:​

• Andrew Sullivan, Anvil Walrus Den Holdings Inc., Alternative Naming Systems TSG Co-ordinator - ICANN Staff Contractor
• Sebastian Ducos, Unstoppable Domains - SOI
• Nick Johnson, ENS Domains - SOI
• Brian Lonergan, Identity Digital - SOI
• Georgia Osborn, Security and Stability Advisory Committee - SOI
• Don Ruiz, Orange Domains - SOI
• Swapneel Shethmm, Verisign - SOI
• Suzanne Woolf, Public Interest Registry - SOI

ICANN staff will facilitate this effort.

Supporting Documentation and Resources:​

• TSG on Integration of Global DNS gTLDs and Alternative Naming Systems Charter
  • Coming soon!
• New gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems TSG mailing list

Announcements and Blogs:​

Date	Description
9 June 2026	Blog: New gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems Technical Study Group Underway
27 April 2026	Blog: Technical Study Group Forming: gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems

Meetings and Work Session Resources:​

Date	Description
2 June 2026	TSG on New gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems – Formal Kick-off Meeting – Meeting #1 Zoom Recording (Audio Only) Zoom Recording (Video) Meeting Transcript Meeting Materials

Continue reading...