ICANN received more than 1900 applications for new TLDs when the first stage of the process . The initial proposed batching process , with ICANN intending to process only 500 applications at a time meaning that the date when new domains went live could vary considerably.

ICANN had proposed to divide the applications into batches using a method dubbed 'digital archery', which involved applicants nominating a particular time then attempt to click a mouse button as near to that time as they can, with those closest to the nominated time receiving preferential treatment. In a 23 June announcement the organisation revealed that it was scrapping digital archery as a component of batching.

"Given public comment regarding the timestamp process and that many applicants had yet to register a timestamp, the decision was taken to suspend the system now, pending further analysis of the process," the ICANN statement read.

"The evaluation process will continue to be executed as designed. Independent firms are already performing test evaluations to promote consistent application of evaluation criteria. The time it takes to delegate TLDs will depend on the number and timing of batches."

The recent ICANN announcement confirmed that organisation's Prague meeting in late June "eliminated" digital archery "from further consideration" as a method of prioritising domain batching.