In August 2024, ICANN launched a new round of generic top-level domains (gTLDs), marking a milestone in its mission to create a more inclusive and diverse Internet. This launch expands digital identity options and provides greater flexibility in managing domain names, opening the door to new opportunities for businesses, communities, and brands.

What are Generic Top-Level Domains?

Top-level domains (TLDs) are the extensions found at the end of domain names, such as .com, .org, or .gt. They are essential to the web’s structure as they help classify and organize the millions of websites on the Internet. TLDs are divided into two main categories: country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), which represent specific geographic territories like .gt for Guatemala, and generic top-level domains (gTLDs), which are global and can have thematic, linguistic, regional, or brand connotations.

Within the gTLD category, ICANN has promoted the creation of new extensions, offering over 1,200 options ranging from .photography for photography professionals to .paris for the city of Paris or brand-specific names like .google. This expansion enables businesses and organizations to create domains that accurately reflect their identity, sector, or geographical location​. 

Innovation and New Opportunities

The expansion of gTLDs brings significant advantages. On one hand, it allows communities and organizations to manage their digital presence creatively and securely, tailoring domains to their specific needs and audiences. For example, gTLDs can be used to create regional identities (like .nyc for New York), represent industrial sectors (like .photography), or even provide exclusive access to subscriber content (like playlist.new).

Additionally, these new gTLDs are designed to be culturally and linguistically inclusive through internationalized domain names, allowing representation of characters from different writing systems. This promotes greater accessibility for users worldwide. 

Why is This Relevant to Your Business?

The launch of this new gTLD round not only implies an expansion of the Domain Name System (DNS) but also provides a valuable opportunity for businesses in Guatemala and the region to secure a domain that reflects their identity and builds trust with customers. The flexibility of these domains allows businesses to manage their brands, protect digital rights, and offer personalized experiences to specific audiences.

Moreover, ICANN has implemented financial and technical support programs to facilitate the application for new gTLDs, making this resource accessible to charitable organizations, micro-enterprises, and communities with limited resources. 

Choosing the right domain can make a difference for your business in an increasingly connected world. Explore the possibilities for your domain name in the Latin American region with the Unified Domain Search. Don’t get left behind!