dotPublic takes an important step forward

Our application for the .PUBLIC top-level domain was uncontested.

On 7 October, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) published the applications submitted in its 2026 round of new top-level domains. We are pleased to confirm that our application for .PUBLIC is the only application for that name.

This is an encouraging first step towards establishing .PUBLIC as a new part of the internet, where organisations serving the public can make commitments about how they operate online, and be held to them.

There is still some way to go. ICANN will now assess the applications, including technical, operational, and financial arrangements. There will also be opportunities for public comment and any formal objections. We expect the process to take a further 12 to 18 months.

In the meantime, our work continues to develop the standards, governance, and infrastructure that will make .PUBLIC a trustworthy and enduring home for public-serving organisations.

You can see the full list of applications on (ICANN's website)[https://newgtldprogram-aps.icann.org/applications].

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