The Internet regulatory entity also postponed a decision on an applicant guidebook that would serve as the framework for interested groups to manage new domain extensions called generic top-level domains (gTLDs), such as .org, .com and .net.
There are currently 21 gTLDs but if and when the Applicant Guidebook is green lighted, the groups will be able to propose new extensions and apply for permission to manage them. ICANN says there also are 273 country-based TLDs, or ccTLDs.
More time is needed to work through some remaining issues, including ICANN giving its Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) a chance to decide on such key issues as trademark protection, malicious conduct, root-zone scaling, economic impact, geographic names and morality-based objections.
Development of a program to increase the number of gTLDs has been in the works for years and the latest draft of the guidebook was published in November.
ICANN's board expects to meet with the GAC in February; at that time, it also will hear findings from the GAC on ICM Registry's .XXX proposal.