"Market regulation" [2019] ELECD 579; in Mahler, Tobias (ed), "Generic Top-Level Domains" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 129

Book Title: Generic Top-Level Domains

Editor(s): Mahler, Tobias

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 8

Section Title: Market regulation

Number of pages: 37

Abstract/Description:

Chapter 8 analyses the regulation of competition in the domain name market. ICANN’s incorporation as a private company leads to a double role, both as a global regulator and subject of regulation (under national competition law). This chapter examines how national and transnational competition rules are interrelated, creating a mesh of hybrid regulation. Competition in the domain name market is regulated by both ICANN and a US competition agency. The chapter also discusses the effect of introducing new gTLDs on the domain name market and its relevance for future regulation. I argue that the introduction of new gTLDs has had a limited effect on competition. Moreover, ICANN’s independence from US influence requires increased efforts to coordinate transnational and national regulation of competition.