<!doctype html>
<html>
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
</head>
<body>
<div class="default-style">
Hi ICANN,
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
A change or removal of price caps on .com domain names is a grievous affront on the health of the internet.
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
First of all, such a change would set a troubling precedent. The internet, and as a consequence domain names, represent an integral part of modern business - reputable companies are expected to operate websites, and the most recognized TLD for such websites is .com. Modifying price caps not only presents a significant risk for current businesses, but it also significantly raises the barrier to entry for new companies as well. For example, an increasing number of startups are appearing that rely either exclusively or primarily on software, in part because there is a much lower cost to software than other practices. By making a change in the pricing structure, ideas that might otherwise have seen the light of day won't get the chance, because without a website, they won't be able to drive traffic, sway investors, and raise capital. This is harmful for society as a whole - what if we all miss out on a breakthrough in AI, or computing, or another vanguard field because the company was unable to establish a reputable enough presence to gain the support it needed to shine?
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
Secondly, such a change would disproportionately affect smaller entities whose voice might otherwise not be heard. As Verisign is an American company, they naturally charge fees in US dollars. Whilst in many places, a small percentage increase may be insignificant, in developing nations it can represent a much more significant burden. Unlike many other forms of entrepreneurship (ex. hardware-based projects, local services, etc.), software development has one of the lowest barriers to entry, while at the same time providing immense upside potential through its natural ability to scale. Although the value of the creativity and ideas of people in less fortunate countries is not any less than that of those in developed countries, limiting their ability to reach a market with their products can negatively affect the lives of people all around the globe. As an extreme but high-profile example, Whatsapp was founded by former Yahoo! employees in South America. Although Whatsapp was founded by Americans, there's no reason to believe it couldn't have been developed by a team in a developing nation - but the reason we have Whatsapp today is that the barrier for entry was low enough that it could be overcome.
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
Lastly, such a change of the pricing regulations could cause significant problems for everyone from individuals running a personal website to multinational corporations, as the decision-making control lies with a single entity. This is by definition a monopoly. Companies could suddenly find themselves with astronomical bills and no option but to pay them. Without making a comment on whether or not there is concrete evidence that this is where Verisign will go, the changes that are happening now are a clear erosion of the stability of the foundation of commerce on the internet.
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
We sincerely hope that ICANN does not move forward with this proposal, as it will damage the free internet, businesses worldwide, and society at large.
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
<br>
</div>
<div class="default-style">
- The Team at Amitue
<br>
</div>
</body>
</html>