The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) has announced a review of the way it chooses and launches new generic top-level domains (GTLDs).

At its annual meeting in Tunisia, Icann said it will launch a "broad strategic initiative" to consider how new GTLDs should take their place alongside existing ones like.com and.org.

Icann's president and chief executive, Paul Twomey, said the group wanted to introduce competition and choice in TLDs and was aware of criticisms that many of its processes were slow and laborious. "Icann is working hard to listen and be responsive to the internet community," he added.

Icann will commission the Internet Architecture Board to assess technical standards affecting TLDs; and the World Intellectual Property Organisation to review the potential risks to intellectual property created by new domains. Icann's Security and Stability Committee will look at stability and other technical issues. Icann said it is seeking a consumer protection body to evaluate any difficulties in that area.

Icann also announced that it would streamline its processes for introducing new sponsored domain names. Sponsored top level domains (STLDs) are domain names aimed at specific industries, such as.aero and.museum.

Icann said that it would consult interested parties about creating such domains and would gather feedback. Twomey said, "(Icann wants to) evaluate the best manner to achieve the appropriate balance between corporate/sponsor control of TLDs and Icann's role of management on behalf of the internet community."

This process will result in new GTLDs by 2004, according to Icann.