About .free domain
.free is a proposed generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. Multiple entities, including Amazon, Donuts, Google, and Uniregistry, submitted applications to operate this extension. The string faced specific challenges, including name collision issues that delayed its path to delegation. As of the source information, it remained a proposed and un-delegated TLD.
Who can register .free domain
As a proposed and un-delegated TLD, .free is not available for registration by any party. The eligibility criteria would have been determined by the successful applicant's registry policies had it been delegated. The source material indicates applications were filed by commercial entities, suggesting it was intended to be an open gTLD, but no final registration policies were established.
How to register .free domain
Since .free is a proposed TLD that was never delegated, there is no standard commercial registration process. The applications were submitted to ICANN as part of a competitive process, where applicants outlined their intended technical and operational plans. The delegation was contingent on ICANN evaluation, resolving contention among applicants, and mitigating identified issues like name collisions. No domain names under .free were ever issued for public registration.
Typical uses of .free domain
If delegated, the .free extension was envisioned by applicants to serve as a dedicated online space for promoting free products, services, and activities. Google's application specifically aimed to provide a platform for enterprises and individuals engaged in marketing free offerings. Other applicants saw it as a space for general online identity and expression, potentially making it attractive for promotional campaigns, open-source projects, or community initiatives centered around the concept of "free."
Tips for registering .free domain
- As an un-delegated TLD, there are no active registration terms, pricing, or policies to consider.
- The applications indicated plans for standard gTLD features, but no final implementation occurred.
- The string faced a GAC Early Warning and name collision concerns, which contributed to its status.
- Any future activation would require a new application or resolution of the previous contention set.
Frequently asked questions about .free domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .free domain?
As of today, .free domains start from $25.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $80.40/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .free domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .free domain registration, with the cheapest option at $25.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .free domain?
The registry for .free domains is Amazon Registry, administered by Amazon Registry Services, Inc..
Who can register a .free domain?
The .free TLD was never activated, so there is no current registration eligibility. Historically, multiple commercial entities applied to operate it, indicating an intent to offer it as an open gTLD. Had it launched, eligibility would have been governed by the winning applicant's registry policies, which were not finalized.
Can I transfer a .free domain between registrars?
As no domains were ever registered under .free, inter-registrar transfer policies were never established. For any future gTLD, standard transfer procedures like the ICANN Transfer Policy would typically apply, allowing transfers between accredited registrars after an initial 60-day lock period, provided the domain is not pending a change of registrant or within a redemption grace period.
Why was the .free TLD never launched?
The launch was hindered by several factors during the ICANN application process. Multiple applicants created a contention set that required resolution. Furthermore, the string received a GAC Early Warning and was flagged for name collision issues, making it ineligible for an accelerated delegation path. These challenges, combined with applicant withdrawals, prevented the TLD from progressing to delegation.
Could .free be applied for again in the future?
Yes, ICANN's New gTLD Program is expected to have future application rounds. A new application for .free could be submitted, unless the string is permanently reserved. Any new application would be evaluated under the rules of the subsequent round and would not be bound by the outcomes or objections from the previous application cycle.
What were the main concerns raised about the .free TLD?
Key concerns included potential trademark and intellectual property issues, as commentators speculated free registrations could encourage cybersquatting. The European Commission also flagged it for potential legislative compatibility issues. Technically, it was identified as having name collision risks, meaning the string was already in use on private networks, which could cause security and stability problems if delegated to the public DNS.
