Private auctions of applicants for new .ART and. DATA gTLDs took place. These events are traditionally distinguished by full closeness, and, therefore, not only the paid sums, but also the fact of their carrying out is quite often possible to establish only on indirect signs. In this case, a message of Minds + Machines applying for both domains became such sign. It announced that withdrew the applications during private auctions, receiving about $3,5 million, The Domains reports. Payment of compensation by the winner to other participants for a withdrawing of applications is an accepted practice distinguishing private auctions of applicants from the ICANN’s ones.
At once ten participants applied for .ART, and UK Creative Ideas became the winner of auction. As for .DATA, three companies applied for it – Minds + Machines, Donuts, and Dish Networks. However, there is no official information about the winner.
