Latin script to lose dominance

The body in charge of assigning Internet domain names and IP addresses, has approved the use of all of the world's writing scripts. Analysts say the move may lead to a dramatic rise in the number of Internet users.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers approved the change on Friday in Seoul. The ICANN called it a big step and historic move towards globalizing the Internet.

The program will be implemented in stages starting on November 16th. It will first allow international domain names, or IDNs, to use non-Latin scripts, including Chinese, Korean and Arabic, for country code designators at the end of an address. Eventually, the use of IDNs will be expanded to include all of the world's writings scripts.