The Safeguard Assessment determines if an applied-for string (including any applied-for allocatable variant strings) requires specific safeguards as contractual requirements (Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (PICs)) in the applicable Registry Agreement as it relates to consumer protection, sensitive strings, and regulated markets.
ICANN classifies gTLDs that require Safeguard PICs into four risk-based groups:
- Regulated Sectors/Open Entry Requirements
- Highly Regulated Sectors/Closed Entry Requirements
- Potential for Cyber Bullying/Harassment
- Inherently Governmental Functions
For more information about Safeguard PICs, see Section 7.8.2.2 Applicable Safeguard PICs by String Category.
| Applies to | All applied-for strings, including any applied-for allocatable variant strings. |
| Reviewed by | Safeguard Assessment Evaluation Panel |
| Related Processes | ContractingBase Registry Agreement | New gTLD Program |
| Framework | Specified in Section 7.8.2.2 Applicable Safeguard PICs by String Category of the Applicant Guidebook. |
| Results | If ICANN determines that an applied-for gTLD string falls into one or more of the risk-based groups needing Safeguard PICs, the applicable Safeguard PIC must be included in Specification 11 of the applicable Base Registry Agreement without modification, unless otherwise provided for under the applicable contracting requirements. |
| Resources | Applicant Guidebook:
Other resources: |