ICANN has released updated statistics for its Applicant Support Program (ASP), which aims to assist non-profit organizations from developing countries in securing rights to desired domain names. The program offers discounts of up to 85 percent on the application fee – which can amount to approximately $200,000 – as well as free legal support for document preparation and related services. Currently, 45 applicants for new generic top-level domains are benefiting from this assistance.
In summary, the support offered appears substantial. Therefore, it is surprising to learn that, according to Domain Incite, only four applications for the ASP program have been completed and submitted so far. While another 40 applications are reportedly in preparation, the slow progress raises doubts about whether they will be finalized before the program’s deadline.
The current situation is a cause for serious concern within the ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). Committee members view the ASP program as a key mechanism for increasing the representation of underrepresented regions in the global internet landscape. A year ago, GAC representatives and the ICANN Board agreed that once the first 20 applications were received, the program’s terms could be revised to prioritize regions with limited internet presence. However, it remains uncertain whether these 20 applications will be submitted at all, and if so, whether there will be sufficient time to implement any adjustments, as the program is scheduled to run for only 12 months, and more than half of that period has already elapsed.
In this context, the GAC may consider recommending that ICANN make the necessary adjustments now, focusing on the applications currently under preparation. However, the situation with these applications also appears unusual. Of the 40 applications in progress, the largest share – 15 – are from North American countries. According to ICANN’s own documents, Mexico is not classified as part of North America, and representatives from the United States and Canada are ineligible for the ASP program due to their developed economies. This leaves only certain island territories, such as Puerto Rico or Guam, which are, however, unincorporated organized territories of the United States.
Only one application is currently being prepared from European countries, which is understandable given that most European nations are not eligible for the program. However, it is puzzling that only two applications are being prepared from the Latin American and Caribbean region. This region is home to roughly half a billion people, yet many Latin American countries continue to have a limited presence on the internet. One would expect a significant number of applications to originate from there. Despite ICANN’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to these applicants, it ultimately cannot guarantee that the applications will be submitted.
