ICANN publishes updated gTLD marketplace study

ICANN published an updated version of its gTLD Marketplace Health Index (beta), which reflects statistics and trends related to generic top-level domains (gTLD). Some of the data revealed by the index: 190,882 thousands second-level domain names in existence in gTLDs in the first half of 2016; 562,841 second-level domain name registrations in Internationalised gTLDs (IDNs) in the first half of 2016; most ICANN-accredited gTLD registrars and registry operators are located in Europe, North America, and Asia/Australia/Pacific. The reports also notes that the commercial marketplace for gTLDs in thriving, demonstrated by growth in new gTLDs and across all gTLDs, and that marketplace competition is perceived to be fair. Also, diversity exists in the choice of a service provider, including geography, scripts offered, and languages offered. A version 1.0 of the index is currently under preparation.