Generic top-level domainsIDNDNSSEC
Overview
- .directory is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) created through ICANN's New gTLD Program.
- The string was proposed as an open TLD intended to provide "greater expression on the Internet" and to operate without pre-registration policies.
- The registry and sole applicant for .directory was Donuts (Extra Madison, LLC).
History
- .directory was applied for as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program (application revealed on 13 June 2012).
- Donuts received a Registry Agreement for .directory from ICANN on 23 September 2013.
- The .directory gTLD was delegated to the DNS Root Zone on 19 November 2013.
- The registry announced a Sunrise period that began on 10 December 2013 and ended on 7 February 2014.
Usage and Audience
- The TLD was proposed as an open gTLD, intended to be available broadly rather than restricted to a specific community.
- The application describes the string as a means to provide greater online expression, implying general-purpose use by businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking descriptive directory-related names.
Registration Rules
- The registry stated an intent to operate .directory as an open TLD without pre-registration verification (i.e., no pre-registration eligibility checks).
- The operator committed to adhering to ICANN registration policies and to define remediation and takedown procedures to address abuse.
- Known lifecycle milestone: Sunrise period ran from 10 December 2013 to 7 February 2014.
SEO and Brand Impact
- .directory was positioned as an expressive, open gTLD intended for general use; the registry emphasized rights protections and abuse-control measures to support trust and brand safety for registrants.
- The TLD's branding and perceived trust will be influenced by registry policies, abuse mitigation, and adoption by registrants and directories.
Operator
Domain Promos
| Registrar | Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 99 |
WHOIS
% IANA WHOIS server % for more information on IANA, visit http://www.iana.org % This query returned 1 object domain: DIRECTORY organisation: Binky Moon, LLC address: c/o Identity Digital Inc. address: 10500 NE 8th Street, Suite 750 address: Bellevue WA 98004 address: United States of America (the) contact: administrative name: Vice President, Engineering organisation: Identity Digital Inc. address: 10500 NE 8th Street, Suite 750 address: Bellevue WA 98004 address: United States of America (the) phone: +1.425.298.2200 fax-no: +1.425.671.0020 e-mail: tldadmin@identity.digital contact: technical name: Senior Director, DNS Infrastructure Group organisation: Identity Digital Limited address: c/o Identity Digital Inc. address: 10500 NE 8th Street, Suite 750 address: Bellevue WA 98004 address: United States of America (the) phone: +1.425.298.2200 fax-no: +1.425.671.0020 e-mail: tldtech@identity.digital nserver: V0N0.NIC.DIRECTORY 2a01:8840:1e:0:0:0:0:11 65.22.28.11 nserver: V0N1.NIC.DIRECTORY 2a01:8840:1f:0:0:0:0:11 65.22.29.11 nserver: V0N2.NIC.DIRECTORY 2a01:8840:20:0:0:0:0:11 65.22.30.11 nserver: V0N3.NIC.DIRECTORY 161.232.14.11 2a01:8840:f8:0:0:0:0:11 nserver: V2N0.NIC.DIRECTORY 2a01:8840:21:0:0:0:0:11 65.22.31.11 nserver: V2N1.NIC.DIRECTORY 161.232.15.11 2a01:8840:f9:0:0:0:0:11 ds-rdata: 59725 8 2 0d647c2701e4d9988d38939e1e372c77dbc0f76d21c8d2bd6e40a21fbd4441a3 whois: status: ACTIVE remarks: Registration information: https://www.identity.digital/ created: 2013-11-13 changed: 2025-10-07 source: IANA