Domain registrar upsets group about its plans for .lac TLD.
There are a number of web sites accepting “pre-registrations” for new top level domain names. Since no one can apply for these new TLDs yet, it’s all speculative on the part of the services.
But domain name registrar United Domains recently launched a program that drew the ire of one possible new gTLD applicant.
The company’s pre-registration system offered .LAC and said it was being supported by Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC).
LACNIC subsequently emailed ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom, stating:
Yesterday, United Domains Inc, an ICANN accredited registrar, published on its website an announcement of preregistration under the domain .LAC This announcement suggests that LACNIC will apply for that domain and has used our name and logo without our authorization.
This information is incorrect and has created a lot of confusion within the community. LACNIC is analyzing legal responsibilities related to this situation. So far, we have sent a Cease and Desist letter to United Domains Inc. (attached).
This kind of irresponsible actions on the part of a formal player of the ICANN system have a very negative impact on the community as they affect the system’s prestige.
We suggest that ICANN evaluate the situation and determine whether any action is required.
Beckstrom responded that ICANN was investigating.
As of today the United Domains page resolves to information about .web instead of .lac. But you can see the original page here.
Honestly, it seems more like a situation where LACNIC should have just asked United Domains to take it down. It seems like an honest mistake.
Domain Lords says
I think they need to start doing planetary tlds, so I can get some good .mars keywords
LOL
Kevin M. says
@DL – “”I think they need to start doing planetary tlds, so I can get some good .mars keywords””
Well, considering your postings, that would be the appropriate extension for you.
Kieren McCarthy says
I agree, I think it was a honest mistake – and one stemming from the various lists of possible TLD applications that are out there.
As such, I’ve just added an “Applicant verified” icon on those applications where the applicant has contacted .Nxt asking for editing rights to their particular application webpage.
It means that we should start getting a little bit more authoritative as we get closer and closer to the rules being finalized.
More info here: http://www.dot-nxt.com/2011/04/29/dot-lac-and-verification
Kieren