ICANN Opens Public Comment on Version 6 of Root Zone Label Generation Rules

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has launched a new Public Comment proceeding for Version 6 of the Root Zone Label Generation Rules (RZ-LGR-6). This latest update builds on ICANN's ongoing commitment to enhancing the secure and consistent use of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the top-level.

What Is RZ-LGR and Why It Matters

Root Zone Label Generation Rules (RZ-LGR) are essential for defining which top-level domain (TLD) labels are valid when written in scripts other than Latin—such as Arabic, Cyrillic, or Tamil. These rules are the foundation for ensuring that IDNs are handled consistently across the Domain Name System (DNS), helping users access the Internet in their native languages without confusion or security risks.

With Version 6, ICANN continues to expand linguistic inclusivity by refining these technical guidelines and supporting more writing systems. This ensures that domain names can be represented accurately and securely for millions of users worldwide.

The New Addition: Thaana Script

A key highlight of RZ-LGR-6 is the integration of the Thaana script, which is used for writing the Dhivehi language spoken in the Maldives. This inclusion represents the 27th script to be incorporated into the Root Zone Label Generation framework, signaling another milestone in ICANN’s mission to make the Internet more globally representative.

The Thaana Script Generation Panel has worked extensively to define the specific rules for valid TLD labels using this script. Their contribution ensures that domains in Thaana follow the same rigorous standards of stability and interoperability as other supported scripts.

How to Participate

ICANN is inviting all stakeholders—including technical experts, language communities, and the general public—to review the proposed changes and submit feedback through the Public Comment process. This is an important opportunity to influence how the Internet evolves for multilingual users.

To explore the details and share your input, visit the official Public Comment webpage. Your participation helps ICANN ensure that IDNs continue to grow in a transparent, community-driven way.