2026 New Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Program – Consultation on applied-for domains

We’re seeking your views on proposed new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) that have been applied for under the 2026 New gTLD Program managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). A top-level domain (TLD) refers to the letters after the last dot in a web address, for example .com, .org or .info.

Why we want your input

Your feedback will help identify potential concerns with proposed gTLDs and influence how we engage with the ICANN process.

How you can voice your opinion

Read the list of applied-for gTLDs on the ICANN website and share your views by clicking the “Have your say” button, submitting a feedback form or emailing us.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

Your feedback will help shape how we engage with new gTLD applications, for example through advocating for the protection of specific terms or language, or by seeking to block problematic applications.

The issue

In 2026, organisations and brand owners around the world submitted a collective total of more than 1600 applications for new gTLDs, through the 2026 New gTLD Program. This program is being run by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the international organisation responsible for coordinating the domain name system.

A top-level domain (TLD) refers to the letters after the last dot in a web address, for example .com, .org or .info. Successful applicants will become the registry operator for their new TLD. New web addresses can then be registered under that TLD.

While the 2026 New gTLD Program is an opportunity for organisations to secure a gTLD that reflects their brand or identity, some of the proposed new gTLDs may impact Australian interests across government, businesses and the community. For example, an applied-for domain might misuse a protected Australian term or present a potential risk of being used for harmful activity.

The government has a number of options for protecting Australian interests through this process. We can issue a warning about an application and encourage the applicant to modify their application or implement safeguards. We can also submit a formal objection to the application, or work with other governments to provide joint advice to ICANN about an application.

We’re seeking:

  • identification of proposed gTLDs that contain sensitive or problematic language, or pose potential risks or other concerns for businesses, communities or consumers
  • a short explanation of your concerns with the proposed new gTLD
  • measures that could be taken by the applicant to address your concerns.

Key milestones for 2026 New gTLD Program:

Please note the dates indicated below are in the UTC time zone (as set by ICANN).

  • 7 October 2026 – String Reveal Day.

ICANN publishes the list of new gTLD applications on its website, revealing which domain names (or ‘strings’) were applied for and the applicant details. Applicants that have also nominated alternative ‘replacement’ domains have 2 weeks to switch to replacement strings if they choose.

  • 17 November 2026 – String Confirmation Day.

The final list of applied-for gTLDs is published on the ICANN website.

  • 17 November 2026-16 March 2027 – ICANN’s Community Input and Objections Period (90 days)

The ICANN community and members of the public can provide feedback on applications directly to ICANN.

As part of the ICANN community (through the Governmental Advisory Committee), we will work to address concerns with problematic gTLD applications during this period.

Further information on the 2026 New gTLD Program can be found on the ICANN website at newgtldprogram.icann.org/en, or by contacting ICANN at globalsupport@icann.org

Relevant documentation

Participate

08 Oct 2026 12:00 AEDT
26 Feb 2027 11:59 AEDT
Open
days remaining 140 of 141

Read the list of applied-for gTLDs on the ICANN website at newgtldprogram-aps.icann.org/applications.

You can express your views through any of the following options:

  • click the “Have your say” button below to complete the online feedback form
  • alternatively, complete the Microsoft Word version 'Consultation feedback form - new gTLD program' linked above and email it to us
  • email us at GACAustralia@infrastructure.gov.au.

Privacy Collection Notice

2026 New Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Program – Consultation on applied-for domains

Your submission, including any personal information supplied, is being collected by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (“the Department”) in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

Use

The Department may use your submission to inform consideration of applications for new top-level domains, and Australia’s response. If you choose to provide your name and contact details, the Department may make further contact with you to discuss the issues raised in your submission.

Disclosure

The Department may publish your submission as explained below. Otherwise your submission will not be disclosed unless authorised or required by law.

Contacting You

The Department may use your contact information to make further contact with you about your submission and the 2026 New gTLD Program.

Publication

Submissions to this consultation will not be published on the Department’s website.

Submissions, in part or full, may be shared by the Department to stakeholders assisting the Department, including other Commonwealth agencies, or published in Australia’s responses to new top-level domain applications. The Department will redact any personal contact details of the author prior to publishing or sharing your submission or any part thereof with any third party.

Confidentiality

Confidential submissions will not be published and will only be disclosed in the following circumstances:

  • in response to a request by a Commonwealth Minister;
  • where required by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia;
  • where necessary in the public interest; or
  • where authorised or required by law.

Submissions will only be treated as confidential if they are expressly stated to be confidential. Automatically generated confidentiality statements or disclaimers appended to an email do not suffice for this purpose. If you wish you make a confidential submission, you must indicate this by ensuring your submission is clearly marked confidential. Even if a submission is not marked confidential, the Department may choose not to publish it, or any part of it, in the Department’s discretion (for example where it includes personal information or opinions about a third party).

Access

The Department will securely store your personal information and the Department’s privacy policy contains information regarding complaint handling processes and how to access and/or seek correction of personal information held by the Department. Further information is available on our Privacy page.