APDIP e-Note 9 on Internationalized Domain Names
Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) have become a hot topic in the field of Internet governance. As the number of non-English speakers on the Internet grows exponentially, the limitations of the Domain Name System have become evident to many.
This APDIP e-Note examines how IDNs relate to cultural diversity and the basic human right to communicate in one's own language on the Internet. While the bulk of the content on the Internet has been in English, this is rapidly changing. In China, for example, over 60 million of the nation's 100 million-plus users browse the web only in Chinese, yet top-level domain names remain in Roman script for all users.This APDIP e-Note discusses the ongoing debate on how best to allow users to navigate the Internet in their own language. Different systems available for multilingual domain names and future scenarios are also explored.
APDIP e-Notes are brief snapshots that present analyses of specific issues related to information and communications technology (ICT) for sustainable human development in the Asia- Pacific region. This online series introduces readers to the who, what, where, why and how of a wide range of current issues related to ICT such as Internet governance, ICT and poverty alleviation, e- governance, free and open source software, and many others.
Related Links
Download APDIP e-Note 9 - Internationalized Domain Names [PDF, 146KB]
APDIP e-Note 1 - Voices from the Asia-Pacific: Internet governance for sustainable human development [PDF, 233kB]
All APDIP e-NotesInternet Governance: Asia-Pacific Perspectives Monograph
Internet Governance: A Primer
Internet Governance DVD
Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Portal
Country Reports on Internet Governance (China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Thailand)
ORDIG Input Paper and Policy Brief to WGIG and WSIS
APDIP e-Resources
Last modified 2007-08-27 01:36 PM


