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.