The info domain has been operated by Afilias since its creation. In 2003, it was the first gTLD domain to support IETF standards-based internationalized

processed via accredited registrars.

The launching of info involved a "Sunrise Period" for trademark owners, followed by a "landrush" open to all, the first time such a process had ever been conducted for a new gTLD. This process received criticism for giving trademarks precedence over words that are generic in other contexts; for instance, the Caterpillar construction equipment company was able to register cat.info before more generic users, such as feline enthusiasts, were allowed to register.

Although a large number of fraudulent registrations were initially made by registrants who didn't actually own a valid trademark, a challenge procedure later weeded out most of these.[3]

In a controversial move, prior to launch, the names of countries were reserved from registration at the request of ICANN, to the consternation of those who had paid pre-registration fees to attempt to register these names in the landrush. ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee, composed of country representatives from around the world applauded the move, the first by any major domain to protect the alleged national interests of sovereign nations.