ICANN’s open, participative, bottom-up approach is critical because a stable and IDN TLDs Usually the short reference

ference for internationalized top level labels referring

I N T E R N E T CO R P O R AT I O N F O R A S S I G N E D N A M E S A N D N U M B E R S
secure network requires global solutions that include local languages, characters, to the entire domain name being represented by local characters. For example:
and cultural conventions. [실례.테스트] (“example.test” in Hangul script).

To achieve a fully internationalized Internet, we need the collaborative involve- Languages | Scripts | Alphabets Languages are used by speech communities. IDNs: Internationalized Domain Names
ment of technical and linguistic experts, policy-makers, application developers, end Scripts are used to write the various languages and this is done by using the cor-
users and other stakeholders. ICANN looks forward to continuing to facilitate open
forums for all interested parties.
responding alphabets or alternative writing systems.
Did you know?
LDH (Letter, Digit, Hyphen) A subset of the ASCII characters that only contains
• Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) are domain names with characters other than a, b…, z; 0, 1,…, 9; and “-“.
Additional information about the IDN Program can be found at http://icann.org/ letters a-z, digits 0-9 and the hyphen “-“, and the term “LDH code points” usually
• IDNs on the second and third levels exist in some generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and in some
topics/idn/. For more information on how to participate in IDN activities, contact refers to this subset. Originally, domain name labels were restricted to this subset
country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). TLD registries determine the choice of characters available under
[email protected]. of characters.
these TLDs.

Punycode This is the sequence of ASCII characters all IDNs will be encoded into in • Some languages, like Arabic, are written from right to left. IDNs at the second level are not very useful for the
Internationalized Domain Name Glossary communities that use these languages because users would need to change the type direction and script in
order for the Domain Name System (DNS) to understand and manage the names.
the middle of entering a domain name.
Historically, domain names on the Internet were restricted to using ASCII characters The intention is that domain name registrants and users will never see this decoded
• IDN TLDs will be made available through two separate processes, initially through the New gTLD Program and
(a–z, 0–9, and “-“). However, with the increasing use of the Internet in all regions form of a domain name. The sole purpose is for the DNS to be able to resolve for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process.
and by diverse linguistic groups around the world, the need for multilingual example a web address containing local characters. The DNS is only capable of • 60 percent of Internet users are non-English speakers, while the dominant language used on the Internet is
domain names has become more intense. Various acronyms are used widely in handling ASCII characters. For example, the punycode version of [ ] (this English (see Global Reach at www.glreach.com).
communications around internationalizing the domain name space. Explanations is the Hindi, in Devanagari script, version of “example.test”) is: xn--p1b6ci4b4b3a.
for these are provided below to make this topic simpler to understand. The glossary xn--11b5bs3a9aj6g. One of the most significant innovations in the Internet since its inception is the
here is based on a broader, more dynamic online glossary of IDN-related terms
introduction of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in the Internet’s address
available at http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/idn-glossary.htm. The prefix for the punycode version of the domain names is always “xn—“. Hence this
space. You may be familiar with some of the larger top-level domains: dot-com,
prefix is often reserved at the registry level to avoid confusion in registration of IDNs.
dot-net, and dot-org are just three examples. IDN top-level domain names will offer
ASCII (American Standard Code for ASCII (American Standard Code for
The Unicode Consortium is a nonprofit organization founded to develop, extend many new opportunities and benefits for Internet users around the world by
Information Interchange) ASCII is a common numerical code for computers and
and promote use of the Unicode standard. For membership and more information, allowing them to establish and use domains in their native languages and scripts.
other devices that work with text. Computers can only understand numbers, so an
ASCII code is the numerical representation of a character such as “a” or “@”. When please visit http://www.unicode.org. Unicode is a commonly used single encoding
ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is responsible
used in relation to ASCII TLDs or ASCII domain names, this refers to the fact that scheme that provides a unique number for each character across a wide variety
for managing and coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure that
before internationalization only the letters a–z, digits 0–9, and the hyphen “-“ were of languages and scripts. The Unicode Tables hold the code pints for each local
every address is unique and that all of us who use the Internet can find all valid
allowed in domain names. character identified. These tables continue to expand as more and more characters
Internet addresses. It does this by overseeing the distribution of unique IP (Internet
are digitalized. Although many websites contain multilingual content, if you look closely at the
Protocol) addresses and domain names. It also ensures that each domain name
DNS (Domain Name System) The DNS makes using the Internet easier by allowing
maps to the correct IP address. site’s web address on your browser, you will find IDNs represented only on the
a familiar string of letters (the domain name) to be used instead of the arcane IP
About ICANN second level or lower levels. This representation happens in some gTLDs and some
address. So instead of typing 207.151.159.3, you can type www.internic.net.
One of ICANN’s top priorities is its IDN Program. This program is made up of several ccTLDs, and each registry decides which characters are available for registration in
ICANN was formed in 1998 to coordinate the Internet’s unique
initiatives that involve a significant cross-section of the global Internet community domain names. A map showing the IDN implementation across TLDs is available at
IDNA (Internationalized Domain Names in Application) protocol IDNA is a identifiers around the world. Without that coordination we wouldn’t have one global
and are aimed at providing a secure method for implementing internationalized http://www.icann.org/en/maps/idntld.htm.
protocol defined in RFC3490 by the Internet Engineering Task Force (http://www. Internet. It is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation with participants from all
top level domains in the root zone. Through this program, users will be able to
ietf.org) that makes it possible for applications to handle domain names with over the world dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable.
register and use domain names based on their local language scripts. This includes Soon users around the globe will have access to IDN TLDs made up of non-ASCII
non-ASCII characters. IDNA converts domain name strings with non-ASCII characters It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet’s unique identifiers.
users of languages based on right-to-left scripts such as Arabic and users of languages characters to the right of the dot. ICANN is carrying out three initiatives to bring
to ASCII domain name labels that applications that use the DNS can accurately ICANN doesn’t control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn’t
based on non-alphabetic scripts such as Mandarin Chinese. End users will be able to this about. Two are being implemented and one is at the policy development stage.
understand. Not all characters used in the world’s languages will be available for deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet’s
more easily identify localized online content by using fully localized identifiers. One These three processes are described briefly in the graphic on page 2.
use in domain names. Hence IDNA is not able to convert all such characters into naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution
example is http://실례.테스트 (“example.test” in Korean Hangul script).
ASCII labels. of the Internet. For more information please visit: www.icann.org. IDN usage in emails—or, more specifically, in the domain name part of the email

Most of the program’s objectives are related to: address—is not yet available. The technical standard that will make this possible
IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) IDNs are domain names represented
•  The secure and stable technical and operational deployment of IDNs in the is being developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force, or IETF. And some
by local language characters (non-ASCII characters). Such domain names could
Domain Name System (DNS) at the root level. implementations are now available for users to try out. More information and test
contain characters with diacritical marks as required by many European languages, •  Engaging the global Internet community in the policy processes that will guide environments can be found at http://cslab.kr/eai-test/index.php/Main_Page, http://
or characters from non-Latin scripts (for example, Arabic or Chinese) the deployment, allocation and secure management of IDNs.
global-email.info/intro.html, and http://www.ietf.org/html.charters/eai-charter.html.

IDN SLDs Usually a reference for domain names with local characters at the
second level, while the top level remains in ASCII-only characters. For example: What are IDNs? Why are IDNs important?
© 2009 Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

[παράδειγμα.test] (“example.test” in Greek). IDN is the short name for an Internationalized Domain Name. These domain names For many reasons. The most important is the growing number of Internet users
are represented by local language characters. Such domain names could contain around the world for whom it is difficult to use ASCII characters. The fact is, the
characters with diacritical marks as required by many European languages, or Internet is accessed by more people who do not use Latin languages and scripts than
characters from non-Latin scripts (for example, Arabic or Chinese). those who do. This means that it is difficult for them to recognize ASCII characters
Brussels 6 Rond Point Schuman, Bt. 5 B-1040 Brussels Belgium T +32 2 234 7870 F +32 2 234 7848
and reproduce them on keyboards or use software to enter website addresses in
Marina del Rey 4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 330 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 USA T +1 310 823 9358 F +1 310 823 8649
Washington, DC 1875 I Street NW, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20006, USA USA T +1 202 429 2407 F +1 202 429 2714 browsers. For example:
Sydney Level 2, 48 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia T +61 2 8236 7900 F +61 2 8236 7913

D5_IDN_Fact_Sheet_1.indd 1-1 6/12/09 2:28 PM

 •  If you read an online newspaper in Russian and there is a link to more
information, then it can be a challenge to reproduce an ASCII web address.
What is the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process? Where can I try IDNs? What are the IDN Guidelines?
It also makes more sense to have a Cyrillic-based address for a site with The IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process focuses on meeting a near-term demand by ICANN created a dedicated IDNwiki facility to introduce users to the testing of IDN These guidelines list the standards for IDN registration. The policies and practices
Russian content.
allocating a limited number of new ccTLDs based on non-Latin scripts while a full top-level domains. The test is based on eleven IDN TLDs representing “example.test” in the guidelines will minimize the risk of cybersquatting and consumer confusion,
•  If you see a billboard advertisement that contains a link or email address, it is
more useful if the website or email address is based on characters that you can IDN ccTLD policy is being developed. The process is further limited to countries in non-Latin based scripts. The table below shows the languages and scripts initially and ensure that the interests of local languages and character sets are respected.
reproduce. In other words, in many countries and territories this link must be in and territories represented in the ISO 3166-1 list. The Fast Track Process is expected selected for the IDNwiki. You can enter the Wiki by typing in any of the illustrated Registries that deploy IDNs will be required to follow these guidelines.
scripts other than the basic Latin script.
to be launched in Q4 2009, and a separate factsheet for this process is available at domains, or by going to http://idn.icann.org.
•  Suppose your child comes home from school with an assignment that requires In addition all new TLD managers, either through the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process
obtaining information online on a specified website. What if the website www.icann.org/topics/idn.
address is in a different script than your native language? It may be hard to Public participation in the evaluation of these domains is an important aspect of or the New gTLD Program, will be required to fulfill all existing or future versions of
recognize the characters and reproduce the address in a browser. IDNs in your the project. To participate, access one or more of the addresses in the table and the IDN Guidelines. The latest version of the guidelines is available at http://www.
native language make navigating the Internet much easier. What is the IDN ccTLD Policy Development?
report your experience on the discussion pages. icann.org/en/topics/idn/implementation-guidelines.htm.
•  Sometimes a website address is not a name that makes sense or has any Along with the Fast Track Process, with its goal of meeting near-term demand for
meaning attached. In such cases it is even more important to use the script More languages and scripts are being added as requests come in from the various The IDN Guidelines will be revised again right after the IDNA protocol revision
ccTLDs to selected countries and regions, ICANN is develop a long-term process for
or alphabet that intended users can recognize and be able to reproduce on a
computer keyboard. implementing IDN ccTLDs. Once the long-term process is implemented, the Fast language communities. to ensure they are consistent. All changes in the protocol will be reflected in the
Track Process will become unnecessary. However, experience gained in the IDN guidelines as well.
The ICANN community is addressing the needs of this growing community.
Certainly, IDNs have clear advantages in targeting local markets and non-English ccTLD Fast Track Process will be a valuable addition to completing the process and
Brief history of internationalization and the Internet’s Domain
speaking Internet users, and for local promotions and advertisements. So if you implementing the final policy.
Name System
are a user not familiar with the basic Latin script, or if you wish to reach such users
(with information, products or services), then IDNs will be very important for your What is the New gTLD Program Applicant Internationalization measures, including IDNs, might be the largest change in
Internet operation since the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Proto-
ability to reach these markets. Guidebook? col) was introduced. Furthermore, IDN deployment might be more significant and
The New gTLD Program focuses on expanding choices for generic top-level complex than the original DNS introduction. To fully understand the difficulties of
How can I register an IDN? domains, or gTLDs. This expansion includes IDNs at the top level in order to meet internationalization of the domain name space, it is important and useful to give a
First you might consider why you need an IDN. growing diversity and encourage competition for more innovation, choice and brief history of IDN technology development.
change to the Internet’s addressing system.
If you want an IDN at the second level, or lower levels, you should select a TLD that
The idea of internationalizing domain names goes back to the developmental
meets your purpose. Check with your registrar and registry whether IDNs are avail-
ICANN is developing both a process for registries to apply for new gTLDs and an stages of the Internet in the 1970s. Discussions centered on the usability of
able, and in what languages. For a good overview, go to http://www.icann.org/en/
Applicant Guidebook that takes applicants through the process and explains the languages and scripts. However, the technology deployed in the Domain Name
maps/idntld.htm. This map shows where IDNs are available. Currently, more than
implications of the many complicated issues surrounding these new top-level
What is the IDNA protocol revision?
System today, which allows practically any character in the registration of a domain
47 TLD registries and registry managers support IDNs. The IETF is leading in creating standards for using non-ASCII characters in the
domains. The Internet community is currently wresting with resolving string con- name, was not developed at that time. Therefore, the characters available for
If you want to register a domain name with the entire string in local characters, or tention, protecting intellectual property rights, handling internationally recognized Domain Name System. Early in this process, an international IDN working group registering domain names was limited to ASCII characters: the letters a-z, the
if you want to apply to become an IDN TLD operator, you can choose from three issues of morality and public order, and the geographical names process, among developed suggested standards for review and comment. Participating organiza- digits 0-9, and the hyphen “-“.
possible programs. Each program has its own specific qualification requirements, other issues. After going through several rounds of public comment, the process tions developed technologies to the standards to test their application. Through
and the guidebook are expected to be fully implemented early in 2010. revision and comment, participants reached agreement and issued standards in In 2003, technical bodies raised the topic again, and the Internet Engineering Task
rules and launch time.
2003. Since then, the IETF IDN working group has been evaluating the experience Force released the standards (RFCs 3490, 3491, and 3492), also often referred to as
The diagram here gives an overview of the three programs available. As these For more information about the Applicant Guidebook and the New gTLD Program,
gained in implementing the IDNA protocol. They have identified several key areas IDNA, or IDNs in Application. These standards provide technical guidelines for suc-
go to http://icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm.
initiatives continuously progress, please view the latest status at: cessful deployment of IDNs; that is, a mechanism to handle non-ASCII characters in
of work now under way. The core components still being revised include:
•  IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/ The domain names in a standard fashion. It works by converting names with non-ASCII
shorthand term IDN ccTLDs refers to new top-level domains associated with •  Eliminating Unicode version dependencies, thereby permitting more charac-
ters to be used automatically in IDNs now and in the future. characters to ASCII labels that the Domain Name System will understand.
entries in the ISO 3166-1list.
•  New gTLD Program (including IDN gTLDs): http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new- •  Clear defining valid IDN labels.
Later, ICANN and several top-level domain registries released version 1.0 of the
gtld-program.htm •  Fixing the complications and errors in the existing protocol for many right-to-
left domains. These domains will become valid when the revised protocol is IDN Guidelines. These guidelines were created for generic TLD (gTLD) registries to
•  IDN ccNSO PDP: http://ccnso.icann.org/ implemented. follow when implementing IDNs at the second level only. The current guidelines,

In Implementation: IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process The issues with the current IDN model that led to the revision work are discussed version 2.1, is available at http://icann.org/topics/idn/implementation-guidelines.htm.
•  To introduce a limited number of IDN TLDs in non-Latin scripts in RFC4690. The Internet-drafts with proposed revisions are available at http://icann.
Work is under way to revise the IDNA protocol, based on experience since the 2003
•  Requires strings to be meaningful representations of country or territory org/topics/idn/rfc.htm.
names introduction. Additional work is under way by an IDN TLD registry working group
•  Only for countries or territories represented in the ISO 3166-1 list The next IETF meeting where the IDNA protocol revision will be discussed is to amend the guidelines further to ensure that the guideline directions will be used
scheduled for Stockholm, Sweden, on 26-31 July 2009. http://www.ietf.org deeper into the DNS hierarchy, particularly as a set of principles for implementing
In Policy Development: IDN ccTLDs – Long Term
internationalized top-level labels.
•  Full policy that caters for all
•  Follows the ccNSO policy development process
For a more detailed history of technical development see http://www.isoc.org/
•  Was initiated formally on 13 April 2009 by the ccNSO Council http://www.
icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-13apr09-en.htm pubpolpillar/docs/i18n-dns-chronology.pdf.

In Implementation: New Generic TLD Program

•  New process for applying for new gTLDs
•  Includes IDN TLDs
•  Technical string requirements are the same for all IDN TLDs
•  Includes a mechanism for avoiding confusingly similar strings

2 3

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