I've been trying to wrap my head around this. There are quite a few places saying that the domain zones directly managed by ICANN, which are supposed to benefit everyone on the internet, are not "sponsored."
On the other hand, there are those that claim "sponsored" zones are the ones looked after by other organizations, representing different social groups and approved by ICANN. Where do we draw the line between these "sponsored" and "non-sponsored" zones?

The difference between "sponsored" and "non-sponsored" domain zones is important to understand in the world of internet marketing.

"Sponsored" domain zones are typically managed by specific organizations or communities that have a vested interest in representing their group online. For example, .gov is managed for government entities, .edu for educational institutions, and .mil for the military. These domain zones are sponsored because they have a specific sponsorship criteria and are operated by specialized organizations that cater to the needs of these specific groups.

On the other hand, "non-sponsored" domain zones are not tied to any specific community or organization and are open for registration by anyone. Examples include .com, .net, and .org. These domain zones are not managed by specialized organizations and are open for registration by the general public.

"Sponsored" domain zones are overseen by specialized organizations or entities that represent specific communities or industries. These organizations work closely with ICANN to manage and regulate the registration of domain names within their sponsored zones. Their primary goal is to ensure that the domain space reflects the needs and interests of the community they represent. They often have specific eligibility requirements for obtaining a domain within their zone and may enforce policies to maintain the integrity and purpose of the domain space.

"Non-sponsored" domain zones, on the other hand, are more open and generic in nature. They are not tied to specific community interests or industry sectors. Domain names within non-sponsored zones are generally available for registration to the general public without stringent eligibility requirements. This makes non-sponsored domain zones popular choices for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking for broad and inclusive online presence.

From a technical standpoint, both sponsored and non-sponsored domain zones operate under the authority of ICANN, which oversees the global coordination of the Internet's domain name system. However, the distinction lies in the management and purpose of the domain spaces, with sponsored zones being focused on serving specific communities and non-sponsored zones offering broader accessibility.

Understanding the nuances of sponsored and non-sponsored domain zones is essential for navigating the complexities of domain name registration and management, especially when aligning online presence with specific community interests or broader audience reach.

In the realm of domain names, ICANN has bestowed great significance upon the term "sponsored." This significance is tied to the ownership of the zone, not just the administrator. It's about who shells out the cash to ICANN for registering on the root servers.

I would say that for a sponsored domain zone, the rules (regi and others) will determine the organization other than ICAHN. It's like designing a website - there are specific guidelines and regulations you need to follow to create a cohesive and functional design. Some kind of association, association, KP non-profit. For the old zone - TRAVEL, for the new zone REALTOR as an example, or my favorite (for creativity) OTSUKA.

For the non-sponsored zone, the rules are written by ICAHN. Example, in the old zone - COM, in the new zone - .COMPUTER or .PLUS.

What is the "payment distribution scheme for the domain"? :-) Is this a "criterion"?