More stupid government interference with fresh top level domain names
I was reminded of another such case today, thanks to the Government of India sending a letter (pdf) to ICANN reiterating its opposition to a couple strings.
The government is opposed to the delegation of .RAM. This is based on Lord Ram, a religious figure in Hinduism.
I certainly understand why the government would be sensitive to this. Until you know who is applying for it: Chrysler wants the domain name for its Ram brand of trucks.
That’s a perfect situation for India. Since it’s a .brand, Chrysler is going to be careful regarding not putting anything offensive on it.
A Business Standard article from June quotes a government official stating “What if someone registers a domain name such as www.sex.ram? It could create a lot of communal tension in the country.”
Indeed. Do you think Chrysler is going to set up a second level domain name sex.ram?
I doubt it.
Much like no one has to worry regarding risk management firm Intertek, which owns Ram.com, using that domain in a way that’s offensive.
