Over the years, there have been some periods in internet history when users have had little chance to pick a domain for their businesses. Before ICANN’s first round of the new gTLD program, many users found opportunities under ccTLDs, such as using.TV for media or.IO for startups. The same trend has also become popular after the rise of AI solutions in the last few years.
However, one of these popular TLDs will soon lose its political status and disappear from the Internet, as we know from past examples.
Why Businesses Adopted ccTLDs and What’s Changed
For years, businesses have creatively used ccTLDs beyond their original country associations. The .io domain, popular with tech companies, and the .tv domain, favoured by streaming services, are notable examples of ccTLDs that have become industry-specific brands rather than geographical indicators.
This trend started well before 2012 when gTLD (generic top-level domain) options were limited primarily to .com, .net, and others. Back then, businesses looking for unique and memorable domain names had few choices, and ccTLDs effectively filled this gap.
What’s Happening with .io Domains?
.io is a ccTLD initially designated for the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), a UK-controlled area in the Indian Ocean. However, following years of pressure, the UK has agreed to transfer control of this territory to Mauritius, sparking concerns over the future of .io domains.
Under existing ICANN policies, if a country ceases to exist, the corresponding ccTLD could technically be retired, as seen with Yugoslavia’s.YU domain in 2008.
Though ICANN’s mission prioritizes the security and stability of the domain name system, which would likely mean a gradual transition period for .io if any changes occur, the uncertainty still raises questions for current domain holders. The transition period took five years to happy; Yugoslavia’s transition took five years.
.io is not the only ccTLD that is at risk of disappearing. Another popular ccTLD, .tv, is also at risk of disappearing from the Internet.
The Environmental Risks of .tv
The .tv domain, a ccTLD for the island nation of Tuvalu, has gained popularity with streaming and media platforms. However, Tuvalu is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. As climate change threatens low-lying island nations like Tuvalu, the .tv domain could face an uncertain future. If Tuvalu were to become uninhabitable, the management of the ccTLD could be disrupted, or the domain might even be retired, as ICANN would no longer have a country with which to associate it.
The situation with .tv reminds us that environmental factors pose real risks to ccTLDs, especially those in regions facing significant climate threats. Companies using .tv should be aware of the potential for unexpected changes and consider contingency plans to protect their online presence.
TLDTR’s Success with .TC: A Proactive Approach to Domain Stability
In contrast to the potential instability of .io and .tv, TLDTR recently set a precedent by moving the registry backend operations of the dot tc ccTLD, the ccTLD for the Turks and Caicos Islands, to a more stable environment in Turkiye. By hosting the registry in a larger, economically secure country, TLDTR has enhanced its stability and reliability.TC domain offers excellent protection to its users against regional vulnerabilities.
However, the domain name landscape transformed after the first round of new gTLDs in 2012. Hundreds of new options emerged, such as .tech, .media, .shop, and .online, which offered meaningful and relevant alternatives for businesses across various industries. And that was just the beginning. ICANN will launch a new round of gTLDs in the coming years, creating even more specialized, community-focused, and region-specific domain options.
What to Expect from the Next Round of New gTLDs
ICANN’s upcoming launch of new gTLDs will further expand the domain landscape in several key ways:
Brand-Controlled TLDs: Another notable change is that brands will soon have the option to acquire their gTLDs. This situation will allow companies to establish online presences without relying on third-party registrars. Brands can operate their domain names (such as .apple or .nike), streamlining the process and offering increased control over their online spaces.
Community-Specific Domains: These new gTLDs will empower communities, organizations, and interest groups to establish digital spaces with directly delegated domain names. This change will allow communities to own and manage domains that reflect their unique identities and foster more direct engagement.
Regional TLDs: With more region-specific TLDs, users will have more opportunities to connect with audiences based on geographic location. This shift will enable businesses and individuals to strengthen ties with local and regional markets, supporting local economies and enhancing community involvement.