One of the most common complaints among internet users is the sheer number of domains hoarded by domain investors and cybersquatters. These domains exist solely to generate advertising revenue or to be resold at a profit. Many argue this is an illegitimate use of the system and that domains should go to people who actually plan to build real websites. ICANN appears to agree. Combating cybersquatting is a top priority for ICANN’s then-new CEO, Fadi Chehadé. In a recent interview, Chehadé argued that new domain extensions will help reduce cybersquatting by giving users more options. According to a report by DomainGang, ICANN is considering capping domain registrations at 100 per person or company, a measure designed to prevent a small number of individuals or entities from cornering the market on desirable names. According to Normand Sland of ICANN’s international committee on domain-related matters:
“Time and again, the same people register the best domain names, whether they’re .com, .net, .org, or the new gTLDs.”
On the subject of a per-person or per-company cap, Sland added:
“We’re still debating the exact number. It might not be 100 — it could be 125 or something in that range — but the bottom line is that something needs to be done about serial cybersquatters.”
The big question is whether such a measure would actually work. ICANN would almost certainly face significant pushback from the domain investment and monetization industry, and possibly from major domain registrars as well. This industry moves millions of dollars a year, and a cap like this could have a real impact on those businesses. Photo based on: 100kmh - single lane gravel road by Simon Yeo
