Generally, Advocacy supports the introduction of new gTLDs following a limited introduction and an evaluation period. Also, Advocacy recommends that regulation of new gTLDs be minimal and only used to encourage competition or ensure stability of the Internet. Finally, Advocacy believes that limited safeguards for trademark holders is appropriate as long as they do not expand trademark rights and are balanced with the interests of domain name registrants. The United States Congress established the Office of Advocacy in 1976 by Pub.
Small businesses are a crucial element to the growth of the U.S. economy.
Their dependence on and involvement with the Internet is essential to its growth. In 1998, there were 23 million small businesses in the United States, which represents more than 99 percent of all employers in this country. Small businesses employ 52 percent of private workers and employ 38 percent of private workers in high-tech occupations. Virtually all of the net new jobs in the United States were created by small businesses. Small businesses use of the Internet is rapidly expanding.