A future Department of Technology (DoT), as advocated for at www.department.technology, could significantly assist states in preparing and submitting detailed proposals to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for new Top-Level Domains (TLDs) through the following approaches:
1. Expertise and Guidance
The DoT could provide states with expert guidance on the technical and regulatory requirements necessary for a successful TLD application. This includes understanding ICANN’s criteria, preparing detailed justifications, and outlining the potential benefits of the new TLDs.
2. Centralized Coordination
By acting as a centralized coordinator, the DoT can streamline the proposal process. This involves organizing meetings, setting deadlines, and ensuring that all necessary documentation and data are collected and properly formatted.
3. Comprehensive Research
The DoT could conduct comprehensive research to support the proposals, including market analysis, feasibility studies, and impact assessments. This research would demonstrate the need for the new TLDs and their potential benefits for residents, businesses, and the government.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with relevant stakeholders, such as local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, the DoT could gather support and input for the proposals. This collaboration would help build a strong case for the TLDs, showing broad-based demand and potential use cases.
5. Drafting and Review
The DoT can take the lead in drafting the proposals, ensuring that they are clear, concise, and persuasive. Additionally, the DoT could review and refine the proposals to meet ICANN’s standards and address any potential weaknesses.
6. Technical Implementation Plans
Including detailed technical implementation plans in the proposals, the DoT could outline how the new TLDs would be managed, secured, and maintained. This demonstrates the state’s capability to handle the technical aspects of operating a TLD.
7. Cost-Benefit Analysis
The DoT can prepare a thorough cost-benefit analysis, showing how the benefits of the new TLDs outweigh the costs involved in their implementation and management. This analysis would include economic, social, and technological benefits.
8. Policy and Legal Support
Providing policy and legal support, the DoT could ensure that the proposals comply with all relevant laws and regulations. This includes understanding the legal implications of new TLDs and addressing any potential concerns from ICANN.
9. Advocacy and Representation
The DoT could advocate on behalf of the states during ICANN’s evaluation process. This includes presenting the proposals, answering questions, and providing additional information as required by ICANN.
10. Post-Approval Support
After the approval of the new TLDs, the DoT can continue to support the states in implementing and managing the TLDs. This includes setting up necessary infrastructure, training personnel, and monitoring the TLDs’ performance.
By leveraging its expertise and resources, a future DoT can help states effectively prepare and submit detailed proposals to ICANN, increasing the likelihood of approval and successful implementation of new TLDs.
Sample Draft
Here is our hypothetical sample draft to ICANN to initiate the process of registering a new domain called .california for California government related organizations and services.