Group is nervous that buyers can be confused.
ICANN has printed a warning to shoppers about alt-root domains.
Alt-root domains are domains that aren’t appropriate with the prevailing area identify system (DNS). They require particular software program or browsers so as to resolve.
Makes an attempt at creating prime degree domains that compete towards the primary DNS have been round for many years. The newest iterations are blockchain-based domains comparable to Handshake and Unstoppable Domains.
ICANN manages the method for including “actual” prime degree domains to the DNS.
ICANN warns that many shoppers won’t perceive these alt-root domains and the way they work. Whereas blockchain followers perceive what they’re doing when creating a site in these techniques, some area registrars are actually selling alt-root domains directly to the public alongside common prime degree domains.
I believe that blockchain fanatics will retort that ICANN is merely attempting to dissuade individuals from utilizing the competitors. However ICANN has cause to be nervous about shopper confusion. The standard shopper in all probability doesn’t perceive precisely what they’re getting. This extends past alt-root domains as properly. I’m certain many shoppers have been surprised to learn that the third-level domains they bought from registrars that looked like country code domains were anything but.