Since 1998, there has been a separation between domain registries that manage and operate Top Level Domains (TLD ) and the registrars that sell domain names. That policy of separation will not be carried forward for a new generation of TLDs ,set to emerge over the course of the next several years.A number of domain name industry stakeholders — including the .org registry and TLD operator Afilias – opposed the move to remove the separation of registries from registrars. They argued that having cross-ownership could lead to abuses and lack of competition. With a new ICANN policy set to enable cross-ownership, consumer protections will be put in place which may help alleviate those concerns.“After much debate on the issue of vertical integration, this month the ICANN board voted...
