The Internet Corporation for
Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) decision yesterday to allow
new domain names could open up new risks to internet users and
companies running websites.
Paul Twomey, president and CEO of ICANN, said, "The Board today
accepted a recommendation from its global stakeholders that it is
possible to implement many new names to the internet, paving the
way for an expansion of domain name choice and opportunity".
The decision means that businesses would be able to apply for
new top level
domains such as ".travel" for the travel industry, to
supplement the existing names such as ".com" and ".co.uk". ICANN
said there has already been interest from consortiums wanting to
establish city-based top level domain, such as ".nyc" (for New York
City), ".berlin" and ".paris".
Pete Simpson, ThreatLab Manager at Clearswift, said, "Allowing
new domain names that identify very clearly the content of an
internet site will have a huge impact on the vulnerability of such
sites to cyber-criminals. Using suffixes such as '.gamble' or
'.xxx', is like a big illuminated sign pointing out that thousands
of people's financial details are inputted into those sites every
day".
Other specialists warned that a significant growth in the number
of new top level domains could devalue the market in domian names.
This could push domain registrars out of business, potentially
leaving businesses with websites that do not work.
Emily Taylor, director of legal and policy at Nominet, warned.
"More options for top level domains is a good thing but if there
are a lot of top level domains, registers could go out of
business".