Google has announced it will not participate in the auction for the .KID and .KIDS gTLDs and is going to withdraw its application. Initially, Google was the sole applicant, but later two other applications were submitted by Amazon and DotKids Foundation, Domain Incite reported. ICANN considered the names a bit too similar, and a decision was made to combine all applications into a single bidding set after Google had filed String Confusion Objections. The winner was supposed to receive the right to manage the domain, while the other applications were to be automatically refused.
Google's decision has changed the situation though. Now it is safe to say that of the two domains, .KIDS will be delegated; however, the exact dates are unclear. DotKids Foundation obviously cannot compete with Amazon as regards financial abilities and is making attempts to find ways to receive proceeds or even to avoid the auction. Recently, DotKids Foundation addressed ICANN to seek financial support from the company, which will receive all proceeds from the auction, but the offer was refused.
