.org

generic top-level domain

The domain name org is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) of the Domain Name System (DNS) used on the Internet. The name is truncated from organization. It was one of the original domains established in 1985, and has been operated by the Public Interest Registry since 2003. The domain was originally intended for non-profit entities, but this restriction was removed in August 2019.

org
IntroducedJanuary 1, 1985; 39 years ago (1985-01-01)
TLD typeGeneric top-level domain
StatusActive
RegistryPublic Interest Registry (technical service by Afilias)
SponsorNot technically sponsored, but PIR is connected with the Internet Society
Intended useMiscellaneous organizations not fitting in other categories (generally noncommercial)
Actual useNonprofits; personal sites; open-source projects; some government websites; mostly used by non-commercial entities
Registration restrictionsNone
StructureRegistrations at second level permitted
DocumentsRFCs 920 and1951; ICANN registry agreement
Dispute policiesUDRP
DNSSECYes
Registry websitePublic Interest Registry

In November 2019, the Public Interest Registry (PIR) was to be sold by the Internet Society to shell company Ethos Capital for US$1.135 billion.[1] [2] However, this move was criticized by non-profits and various digital rights groups on concerns that Ethos Capital, a private equity firm, would raise fees or censor the domain. The sale was blocked by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in April 2020 on the basis that transfer of control of the domain to the private equity firm would create "unacceptable uncertainty" for non-profits that relied on the org domain.[3]

History

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.org is one of the first top-level domains, created in year 1985.

References

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  1. "Ethos paid $1.135 billion for .Org: Internet Society reveals the price it is selling out for". 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2020-01-17.
  2. "The Internet Society & Public Interest Registry: A New Era of Opportunity". .ORG (Press release). 2019-11-13. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
  3. Robertson, Adi (April 30, 2020). "ICANN votes down controversial .org sale proposal". The Verge. Retrieved April 30, 2020.

Other websites

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