Google Wants To Own The Fun On The Internet With Its .LOL gTLD
As you know (and we wrote about it), ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has been accepting new gTLD applications for a while now and it seems that Google wanted to join the crowd as well. Taking into consideration Google’s continuous fails with social networks and many other services whose only motivation was “to be a part of it”, expanding domain name space with .google gTLDs might be a good idea.
After all, as Vint Cerf, Chief Internet Evanglest wrote on Google’s official blog – nearly 50% of the websites we visit are found in the .com TLD – which was created in 1984. The domain name space just isn’t diversified enough, given that the number of gTLDs (generic top-level domains) has increased by 14 in the last 28 years.
Google.google
So, when ICANN open its applications for some new gTLDs, Google applied as well and their submissions consist of four categories:
- Google trademarks – .google;
- Domains related to their core business – .docs;
- Domains that will improve user experience – .youtube;
- Domains with an interesting and creative potential – .lol.
It seems that Google will try to take over the fun on the Internet with that last top-level domain name, doesn’t it? However, Google promises it will:
- Make security and abuse prevention a high priority;
- Work with all ICANN-accredited registrars;
- Work with brand owners to develop sensible rights protection mechanisms that build upon ICANN’s requirements.
Do no evil? Let’s wait and see; if Google gets these gTLDs it has the right to do with them whatever it wants, particularly with the ones related to its products like .google, .docs or .youtube. But why would Google want to own a .lol top-level domain? Should we expect a patent on “LOL” and “loling”? C’mon Google, trying to own the Internet will kill you.
Do You Want A gTLD?
Of course, you could have also applied for one, but the costs of applying are pretty high: the evaluation fee itself is estimated at $185,000 – and as an applicant, you’re required to pay a $5,000 deposit fee per requested application slot when registering. But if you’re a company like Google is, then these costs seem really insignificant in your budget. If you just think about how you could use those gTLD domains in a year, five or ten, then we’re talking about a really small price to pay.
But if you’re an average Joe, a surfer vulgaris, you probably don’t need your own gTLD. Especially now when you can own a much more personalized domain name – .Me 😉
