New Internet domains: ICANN publishes list 7 October

Context

In brief

• The list of nominations will be published on 7 October 2026
• Around 1600 applications were received
• ICANN will confirm new gTLDs on November 17, 2026
• OFCOM warns of risks to brands and names

Key Facts

• Published: October 7, 2026
• Nominations: from 30 April to 12 August 2026
• Applications received: about 1600
• Final confirmation: November 17, 2026
• Swiss representation: OFCOM

The first list of candidates

On October 1, 2026, the press release was published by Biel/Bienne setting out the next step in the ICANN program for new website extensions. ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is the company in charge of managing Internet addresses and will publish a list of nominations for new gTLDs on October 7, 2026. The stated goal is to promote competition and variety in the Internet domain name system.

The application window has already ended. Organizations wishing to manage a new generic domain name as registry managers were able to apply from April 30 to August 12, 2026. ICANN now plans to put online a first version of the list with about 1600 applications, in the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round | New gTLD Program section of its website.

The domains concerned are the generic Top Level Domains, among which the press release mentions .com, .org and .swiss. When several candidates are vying for the same gTLD, they may, if necessary, opt for the alternative extension indicated in the application. The next step is set for November 17, 2026, when ICANN will definitively confirm the new gTLDs requested. After that confirmation, the evaluation of the applications will continue, including technical and organizational skills and the consequences for third parties.

The Swiss role

Public authorities, companies and other organisations will be able to examine the list to see whether an application infringes specific interests or rights, especially in the case of unauthorised use of a trademark. OFCOM represents the Swiss Confederation on ICANN's Government Advisory Committee, which has an advisory role, and regularly informs interested parties. The very possibility of registering and using new extensions can increase visibility on the Internet, but also opens up the risk of cybersquatting. For a company, online visibility is the subject of the press release; announcements on aziende che assumono remain a different path on the site.

Operational details

The publication of 7 October 2026 should be read as a change of control, not as the end point of the entire process. The source speaks of a first version of the list and sets the final confirmation of the new gTLDs required for 17 November 2026. Between the two phases, public bodies, companies and other organisations can check whether an application may harm specific interests or rights.

Two checks for those who protect a name

The first check concerns the content of the application with respect to one's own brand or name. The press release explicitly refers to the unauthorized use of a trademark and defines this risk as cybersquatting. The list should not be given a final outcome before confirmation by ICANN. The body must also evaluate the technical and organizational skills of the candidates and the consequences for third parties.

The second check concerns the possible presence of several candidates for the same gTLD. In this case, candidates can, if necessary, opt for the alternative extension mentioned in their application. For those looking at the list, this means following both the requested gTLD and any alternative indicated. The extension published on 7 October 2026 should therefore be compared with subsequent developments, without turning the first version into a final confirmation.

Opportunity and Risk

The source has a double effect for institutions, companies and organisations. New extensions can increase visibility on the Internet. At the same time, you need to protect yourself against unauthorised use of the brand or name by third parties. OFCOM recommends that you carefully evaluate both aspects and publish information on the means available to assert your rights. The topic should not be confused with dichiarazione delle imposte, which belongs to a different location on the site.

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Key points

To use the programme dates as a checklist, public authorities, companies and other organisations can follow five steps from the OFCOM calendar and guidelines.

Operational checklist

1. Mark October 7, 2026. On that date, ICANN plans to publish the first version of the list on its website, with about 1600 applications. The consultation is used to identify new gTLDs and the candidates who request them. 2. Search for your trademark or designation in the list. The goal is to establish whether an application may harm specific interests or rights, with attention to the unauthorized use of a trademark. The source does not indicate documents to be attached or a single form: therefore, it is not necessary to add undescribed passages. 3. Check for instances of competition on the same gTLD. If multiple candidates are in the running, also check for any alternative extension indicated in the application, as the candidate can opt for that solution if appropriate. 4. Mark November 17, 2026. ICANN will definitively confirm the new gTLDs requested; thereafter, it will continue the evaluation of the applications, including technical and organizational capabilities and consequences for third parties. 5. Assess opportunities and risks. Registering and using a new extension can increase visibility on the Internet, while cybersquatting requires protection of the brand or name. OFCOM publishes information on the means available to assert one's rights on the page dedicated to new extensions for websites.

The Federal Landmark

OFCOM represents the Swiss Confederation on ICANN's Government Advisory Committee and plays an advisory role. After reading the list, an organisation can follow the updates and information that the office communicates to interested parties, without confusing the advisory role of OFCOM with that of ICANN in the management and evaluation of applications.

For national site tools, use calcolatore stipendio.

Source: admin.ch