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  • Type
    Generic top-level domain
    Registry
    DISH
    Operator
    Dish DBS Corporation
    Launched
    Registration term
    1–10 years
    DNSSEC
    Supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .data domain

    .data is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that emerged from ICANN's 2012 New gTLD Program, the largest expansion of the domain name system in internet history. The registry is operated by Dish DBS Corporation, which was delegated the extension after a competitive application process that also saw bids from Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd. and Donuts (Romeo Birch, LLC). The TLD was implemented on December 15, 2016. During the application phase, Dish DBS Corporation's bid received a GAC Early Warning from the Government Advisory Committee, citing concerns about granting exclusive control over a broadly generic string to a single commercial operator.

    Who can register .data domain

    .data is a brand TLD operated exclusively by Dish DBS Corporation, meaning it is not available for open public registration through commercial registrars. Because the registry retains exclusive control over the namespace, only entities authorized by Dish DBS Corporation can use domains under this extension. There are no public eligibility criteria, open registration periods, or third-party registrar channels through which individuals or organizations can register a .data domain.

    How to register .data domain

    .data is not issued through commercial registrars and is not available for public registration. The extension is controlled exclusively by its registry operator, Dish DBS Corporation, which determines internally how and whether domains under this TLD are allocated. There is no public application process, ICANN sunrise period, or general availability phase open to outside registrants. Anyone seeking a domain under this extension would need to engage directly with Dish DBS Corporation, and there is no publicly documented mechanism for doing so.

    Typical uses of .data domain

    Because .data is a brand TLD held exclusively by its registry operator, its use cases differ from open gTLDs. Rather than serving a broad community, it is used internally by the controlling organization to structure its own web properties, products, or services under a branded namespace. This approach allows the operator to create memorable, purpose-specific addresses — such as those pointing to data services or data-driven products — while maintaining complete control over the namespace and preventing third-party registration or misuse.

    Tips for registering .data domain

    • Because .data is not publicly registrable, there are no standard registration terms, renewal pricing structures, or WHOIS privacy options available to outside parties.
    • The GAC Early Warning issued during the application process flagged concerns about exclusive control of a generic string, which may be relevant context if ICANN's policies around such TLDs evolve in the future.
    • No grace period, redemption period, or transfer lock policies apply to public registrants, as there is no open registration channel.
    • Monitor ICANN's registry agreements and any policy updates if you have a legitimate interest in the .data namespace, as registry policies can change over the life of a delegation.

    Frequently asked questions about .data domain

    Who operates .data domain?The registry for .data domains is DISH, administered by Dish DBS Corporation.
    Who can register a .data domain?

    .data is not open to the general public. It is a brand TLD exclusively controlled by Dish DBS Corporation, and no commercial registrar offers .data registrations to individuals or organizations. If you need a domain for data-related projects or services, you would need to consider open alternatives such as .io, .tech, or other publicly available gTLDs.

    Can I transfer a .data domain between registrars?

    Because .data domains are not available through commercial registrars, the standard inter-registrar transfer process that applies to open gTLDs does not exist for this extension. There is no EPP transfer mechanism, no transfer authorization code process, and no public registry channel through which a domain could be moved between registrars. All domain management under this TLD is handled internally by the registry operator.

    Can I dispute a .data domain under UDRP?

    The Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) technically applies to gTLDs, including .data, as part of ICANN's registry agreement framework. However, because no domains are publicly registered under this extension, there are effectively no third-party registrations to dispute. If the registry's policies or usage ever change, standard UDRP procedures through ICANN-accredited dispute resolution providers would be the applicable mechanism for trademark-based complaints.

    Why did .data receive a GAC Early Warning during the application process?

    The Government Advisory Committee issued an Early Warning against the Dish DBS Corporation application on the grounds that the applicant was seeking exclusive access to a common, broadly generic string. The concern was that granting one commercial entity sole control over a term as widely used as "data" could harm competition and have unintended consequences across the broader internet ecosystem. A GAC Early Warning is a strong recommendation to the ICANN Board that an application should be reconsidered or denied as submitted, though it does not automatically block delegation.

    Were there other applicants for .data?

    Yes — three separate entities applied for .data during ICANN's 2012 New gTLD Program: Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd., Donuts (applying through its subsidiary Romeo Birch, LLC), and Dish DBS Corporation. All three submitted Public Interest Commitments as part of their applications. Dish DBS Corporation ultimately prevailed and was delegated the TLD, becoming the sole registry operator.