ICANN CEO Promotes New Domain Name Opportunities for Turkish Businesses in 2026
In February 2026, the head of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), CEO Kurtis Lindqvist, visited Türkiye to discuss pivotal upcoming changes in the domain name landscape with a focus on new opportunities for Turkish stakeholders. As the digital world eagerly anticipates the next expansion of domain names, this visit marked a crucial step in bridging the gap between global trends and local practices.
The 2026 New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program heralds the opportunity for businesses worldwide to apply for unique domain endings, moving beyond customary choices like '.com' and '.org'. This initiative, the first of its kind in over a decade, is designed to foster brand innovation and community representation online. For Türkiye, the implications are substantial.
Lindqvist emphasized how Turkish companies could leverage this opportunity to enhance both brand visibility and security. With tailored domain names that reflect local identities—be it through geographic, cultural, or commercial lenses—organizations can better position themselves in the competitive online marketplace. It's an opening to not just adopt new domain extensions but to channel the nation’s rich cultural heritage and business landscape into unique online identities.
During his discussions, Lindqvist engaged members from various sectors including academia, government, and civic organizations during a roundtable in Istanbul. This collaborative effort aimed to prepare Turkish stakeholders for active participation in the 2026 Round. The dialogue centered on critical themes including Internet security, stability, and resilience, alongside the policies shaping the Domain Name System (DNS).
Highlighting Türkiye's strategic role in this global initiative, Lindqvist met with Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. Their talks gravitated towards the country’s readiness for the upcoming domain round and ICANN’s responsibilities in ensuring the seamless coordination of domain names and IP addresses. The goal is to uphold a stable, interoperable Internet while ensuring that local nuances are considered in the larger framework of global internet governance.
The significance of Türkiye's participation cannot be understated. As a vibrant online marketplace, the country stands to benefit from increased digital presence and brand protection, all while contributing to the global Internet governance narrative. The presence of ICANN's regional office specifically dedicated to the Middle East and Africa in Istanbul enhances this engagement, aiming to cultivate a strong framework for stakeholder involvement throughout the region.
Looking ahead, ICANN is committed to convening more meetings globally to assist businesses, governments, and technical communities in preparing for the domain expansion. For Turkish stakeholders, the upcoming months will be critical for assessing how to engage with the evolving domain landscape and harness the potential opportunities it presents. In summary, the 2026 domain expansion promises to be a transformative event, and with leadership from ICANN, Türkiye is poised to capitalize on this digital evolution. As the world leans towards a more interconnected future, ensuring that local entities are equipped and ready to adapt will be essential in shaping the future of the Internet.
As businesses gear up for this change, the broader community will need to step back and assess not just how they navigate the landscape of new domain names but also how to utilize this opportunity to its fullest potential in reinforcing Türkiye's position in the global digital economy.
The 2026 New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program heralds the opportunity for businesses worldwide to apply for unique domain endings, moving beyond customary choices like '.com' and '.org'. This initiative, the first of its kind in over a decade, is designed to foster brand innovation and community representation online. For Türkiye, the implications are substantial.
Lindqvist emphasized how Turkish companies could leverage this opportunity to enhance both brand visibility and security. With tailored domain names that reflect local identities—be it through geographic, cultural, or commercial lenses—organizations can better position themselves in the competitive online marketplace. It's an opening to not just adopt new domain extensions but to channel the nation’s rich cultural heritage and business landscape into unique online identities.
During his discussions, Lindqvist engaged members from various sectors including academia, government, and civic organizations during a roundtable in Istanbul. This collaborative effort aimed to prepare Turkish stakeholders for active participation in the 2026 Round. The dialogue centered on critical themes including Internet security, stability, and resilience, alongside the policies shaping the Domain Name System (DNS).
Highlighting Türkiye's strategic role in this global initiative, Lindqvist met with Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure. Their talks gravitated towards the country’s readiness for the upcoming domain round and ICANN’s responsibilities in ensuring the seamless coordination of domain names and IP addresses. The goal is to uphold a stable, interoperable Internet while ensuring that local nuances are considered in the larger framework of global internet governance.
The significance of Türkiye's participation cannot be understated. As a vibrant online marketplace, the country stands to benefit from increased digital presence and brand protection, all while contributing to the global Internet governance narrative. The presence of ICANN's regional office specifically dedicated to the Middle East and Africa in Istanbul enhances this engagement, aiming to cultivate a strong framework for stakeholder involvement throughout the region.
Looking ahead, ICANN is committed to convening more meetings globally to assist businesses, governments, and technical communities in preparing for the domain expansion. For Turkish stakeholders, the upcoming months will be critical for assessing how to engage with the evolving domain landscape and harness the potential opportunities it presents. In summary, the 2026 domain expansion promises to be a transformative event, and with leadership from ICANN, Türkiye is poised to capitalize on this digital evolution. As the world leans towards a more interconnected future, ensuring that local entities are equipped and ready to adapt will be essential in shaping the future of the Internet.
As businesses gear up for this change, the broader community will need to step back and assess not just how they navigate the landscape of new domain names but also how to utilize this opportunity to its fullest potential in reinforcing Türkiye's position in the global digital economy.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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