AFNIC introduces IDN

A while ago we already informed you that AFNIC (.fr-registry) was considering to introduce IDN names (Internationalised Domain Names). The decision has now been made and AFNIC will soon introduce the possibility to register IDN names.

IDN names are names which can also contain non Latin characters such as é, è, î,… AFNIC plans the introduction of those names for all its extensions (.fr, .re, .yt, .pm, .wf and .tf) in 2 phases: a sunrise and the ‘general availability’.

– Sunrise: During this phase which will start on May 3rd 2012 companies and individuals who already own a registered .fr name will be offered the possibility to register the IDN version of this name under the AFNIC extensions. So for instance, if you’re the owner of cafe.fr or lecons.fr, you will then have the opportunity to register café.fr or leçons.fr.

– ‘General availability’: This phase will start on July 3rd 2012. From then on, everyone who wishes to do so can register an IDN name under the AFNIC extensions. Applications will be treated on a first come, first served basis.