New gTLD Update – .PLACE restrictions removed, launch of .MEET, and .SHOP new pricing

.PLACE – Restrictions to registration removed

Identity Digital, the Registry Operator for .PLACE, have announced that they are removing the eligibility requirements to this specific gTLD. Originally unrestricted, the requirements were introduced in July 2018 and included a geospatial validation component to allow domains to be used for geofencing. Domains registered prior to 18 May 2018 were unaffected by this eligibility requirement. Identity Digital have now announced that due to demand they will be removing the restrictions from 1 June 2020 and the TLD will revert to being unrestricted.

.MEET – Google launch closed new gTLD

Registry Operator Google have announced that they are launching their new gTLD .MEET later this month. However, their contract with ICANN requires Google to be the only registrant under this gTLD. This means that the TLD is not open to registrations from third parties.

.SHOP – Pricing promotion

Registry operator GMO Registry, Inc. is running a pricing promotion on new registrations of .SHOP domains for the month of May, 2020. New registrations will be offered at the reduced fee of USD 1.50 for the first year of registration only, the discount does not apply to premium names. Com Laude fees and the ICANN USD 0.18 per domain year levy are additional. VAT will be added where applicable.

Should you wish to place an order, or require further information, please contact us or your Client Manager.