Web gatekeeper suggests nixing applicants who gained unfair edge

{mosads}ICANN, a nonprofit that manages the Web’s address system, began accepting applications earlier this year for new Web domain endings in addition to traditional endings, such as .com or .org. The group says the new domain endings, such as .sport, .bank or .food, will spur online innovation and help consumers. 

But advertisers and some government officials, including the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, have criticized the domain name expansion, warning it could confuse consumers and force companies to spend millions defensively buying up domains related to their brands.

Last month, ICANN had to take its application system offline when it identified a glitch that allowed some groups to look at the confidential applications of their rivals.

Beckstrom said the glitch was “extremely subtle” and likely only affected about one in 200 applicants. 

He said he wants to apologize to all of the applicants for the inconvenience of shutting down the system. 

“It’s got to be disappointing for the system to reopen again,” he said. “We understand that.”

He said ICANN is doing its “utmost to resolve the outstanding issues” and get the system back online.

“We’re confident we’re on the right track,” he said.