‘DOT NGO': A new top level domain for the non profiteers
For those who don't understand: a top level domain is one of the domains at the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System of the Internet. Still not getting it? Simply put: anything you see after the last DOT of any web address is Top level domain or TLD.
Worldwide there is only a handful TLD available. And Public Interest Registry (PIR), a US based entity, manages one of the one of most popular TLD: DOT ORG. They are now promoting a new TLD that's going to hit the worldwide web this January: 'DOT NGO (and ONG).' With the help of this TLD, PIR plans to bring all valid non government organizations (NGO) around the world. To raise awareness about this new top level domain- Mr. Brain Cute, CEO PIR and Mr. Osama Manzar, Cofounder & CEO Digital Empowerment Foundation came to Dhaka. In an interview with Shahriar Rahman from BYTES of The Daily Star they shared how hundreds of local NGOs can be benefitted from DOT NGO top level Domain.
Shahriar: Although the DOT ORG still remains, why are you going to launch another top level domain DOT NGO?
Cute: To ensure a unique platform for NGOs in the virtual world, we are going to launch the DOT NGO domain. We hope that by introducing DOT NGO/.ong, an online community will be open only to genuine NGOs. We actually wanted to distinguish non-governmental organizations from the crowd and help them create their own identity. The validation process, managed by PRI, will also reassure potential donors that organizations with the DOT NGO websites are genuine NGOs.
Shahriar: PIR is also looking for members for their NGO advisory council. Why is that?
Cute: It's actually because we are starting a new project. And it will be successful if the community is actively involved. So having an advisory council with representatives from the NGOs is another way for us to hear from the community. After we launch our services, how the community reacts to it, how we can best manage them etc are some important piece for the success of this project. So it's one way how we keep that element alive- by forming an advisory council.
Shahriar: What will be the authentication and verification process?
Cute: Basically its two steps. When you purchase the name you are going to be asked to certify yourself as an NGO. You will be presented with a statement with the definitional elements of an NGO and you have to certify saying that yes, I satisfy those elements. That would be step one. Step two will start after you buy the name. You will be directed to Public Interest Registry where we are going to ask few questions. Then we are going to check the source data to cross check whether you are a genuine NGO. The source data generally comes from the government and the NGO communities and forums. All of that is important because DOT NGO will be a trusted address.
Shahriar: How suitable do you find the current ICT and financial scenario of Bangladesh for the DOT NGO project?
Cute: We are working with the local partners here. So we do have very good idea how the market dynamics are. Access being a challenge, prices being important, end users awareness being critical- we are aware of these issues. That is why we are trying to put together a bundle of services and offer that at a reasonable price because after all we are working with NGOs. Digital Empowerment Foundation and local partners are working relentlessly to raise awareness of the grassroot users.
We hope that by introducing DOT NGO, an online community will be open only to genuine NGOs. We actually wanted to distinguish non-governmental organizations from the crowd and help them create their own identity.
Shahriar: The local partners that you mentioned, who are they?
Osama: We are actively working with 'Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communications (BNNRC)' and 'dnet'. These local partners are helping us to spread the message to the NGOs, to physically meet them and train them. We are basically thinking how we can integrate all the NGOs of Bangladesh in to digital inclusion; in a broader term. We have been able to enlist 200 NGOs with PIR.
Shahriar: That sort of supports are you looking for from government's end?
Osama: We already spoke with the Information Minister about our project. He was delighted to hear the work that we are doing. He said that the government is willing to work with us. So we are looking forward to work with the government as well.
Shahriar: Which specific services do you offer from DOT NGO?
Osama: DOT NGO will provide NGOs website with a searchable global directory to improve visibility, raise fund and to connect with other NGOs. It also contributes to reduce online risks to the online community, such as spam and to collect donation safely through online payment systems from donors as well. Domain holders of DOT NGO will also communicate with partners, funders and the public, and be able to include links to their social media channels.
Shahriar: So basically, PIR is going to put out a 'Facebook Page' for NGOs?
Cute: (Laughing) Not really. It would be more than that. But I really appreciate the analogy.
Shahriar: What are your plans for the future?
Cute: In the near future, we will introduce some relevant apps in DOT NGO which will be helpful in taking decisions. We are talking with our community partners for their feedback. With time I think we will be able to add more features to this project.
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