14 DAY TRIAL // ICANN's push to make some registrars richer, or to improve the web as we know it, depending on how you choose to view it, has hit a bit of a snag, as the deadline for applying for a generic top-level domain has been moved back a week.
Unlike what some of the critics may hope, the delay was caused by a technical glitch in the registration system. For what it's worth, custom generic TLDs are coming, as planned.
Apparently, a glitch in the software enabled some applicants to see the usernames and file names of some of the others.
ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Numbers and Names, took down the entire service to fix the issue earlier this week and has extended the deadline for applications from April 12 to April 20.
"We have learned of a possible glitch in the TLD application system software that has allowed a limited number of users to view some other users' file names and user names in certain scenarios," ICANN said in a statement.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we took the system offline to protect applicant data. We are examining how this issue occurred and considering appropriate steps forward," it added.
The application period was supposed to end last night, but it has now been pushed back, enabling any late comer to put their money where their mouth is for a chance to get their very own TLD.
The application for a new generic TLD costs $185,000, €145,000 a pop and there's no guarantee that you'll get it. That's no stopping the 839 companies that are determined to get one from the minute they're available.
The list of TLDs that these companies have applied for is expected to be published on April 30, despite the delay. After that, it will still be a while before you get to see a new generic TLD live.