An Empirical Analysis of Internet Top-Level Domain Policy

The process of introducing new top-level domain names (TLDs) for use on the Internet, which is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is fraught with rhetoric about an increase in costs and abuses, or an increase in choice and reduction in scarcity. Mr. Nicholls argues that there has been very little empirical research on the potential impact of new TLDs, and analyzes issues of cost and scarcity in domain name registration practices. Mr. Nicholls concludes that some of the perceived threats of new TLDs have not manifested though others have, and that data-driven research is necessary.