Could .chatgpt and .claude be the next generation of web domains? ICANN reveals bids for new additions
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has disclosed details of the 1,615 applications it received in its latest round for new generic top‑level domains (gTLDs). Of those, 333 are brand‑related, with major tech firms seeking to secure domains that reflect their products and services. More than half of the submissions—over 800—originated from North America, while Europe contributed 506, together accounting for roughly 85 % of all applications. The filing pool also includes 21 internationalized domain name (IDN) requests in non‑Latin scripts such as Arabic and Chinese. Notable applicants include OpenAI, which filed 15 proposals including .chatgpt; Google, with over 30 requests such as .api and .agent; Meta, seeking .superintelligence and .wearables; and Anthropic, applying for .anthropic and .claude. The competition is especially fierce for AI‑related strings. ICANN will hold a Prioritization Draw in early 2027, with any approvals expected to be announced in the latter half of that year.
💡 Why It Matters
- · AI‑centric domains could become the new branding battleground, giving tech giants direct control over how users locate and trust their services online.