Within the framework of the Armenian Internet Governance Forum (ArmIGF 2024), a session titled National Content and Country Code Top-Level Domains: Strategies for Growth and Overcoming Challenges was convened, featuring experts from the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ.
The session included speeches by Kristina Нakobyan (ISOC AM, Armenia), Irina Danelia (Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ, Russia), Sophie Khidasheli (Caucasus Online, registry for the .GE national domain, Georgia), Dejan Dukic (RNIDS, Serbia), and Azizbek Kadyrov (UZINFOCOM, Uzbekistan). The discussion was moderated by Maria Kolesnikova, Chief Analyst at the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ and head of the Поддерживаю.РФ project.
The core topic of the session focused on development strategies and growth trajectories for country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Participants explored how various ccTLD registries are addressing challenges such as competition with generic top-level domains, security threats, and trust issues, as well as the adoption of new technologies in the domain industry and promising projects for ccTLD advancement in the region.
“Country code top-level domains are crucial for representing nations in the online space and fostering content development in national languages. In this session, we will address the operational challenges faced by national domain registries and examine strategies for overcoming them, along with prospects for future growth,” stated Maria Kolesnikova at the session's opening.
Irina Danelia, Deputy Director of the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ, highlighted that the Russian language ranks 5th in terms of website numbers (4.3 percent) and 9th in internet user numbers, encompassing 146 million individuals (2.5 percent globally).
“While maintaining domain infrastructure is a primary responsibility for any ccTLD registry, they significantly contribute to local content development, ensuring users access content in their national language. Our focus is on enhancing the quality – not quantity – of online content and user experience in Runet, aligning with the Coordination Center's strategic priorities and initiatives,” she emphasized.
Ms Danelia also detailed the Coordination Center's tools for combating online abuse, including Domain Patrol and Netoscope. “We aim for internet users to feel secure when accessing sites within the .RU and .РФ zones. Registries must implement and utilize various tools to combat internet abuse and DNS abuse,” she added.
Irina Danelia stressed that another vital aim for ccTLD registries is to educate users and enhance their digital literacy. She also pointed out that the Coordination Center prioritizes high standards and best practices, with inclusivity being a key component: “It is essential to ensure the accessibility of internet content to all users, including speakers of diverse languages and those with disabilities.”
For further insights, you can watch the broadcast of all forum sessions on ISOC Armenia's YouTube channel.
