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    • .read

    Generic top-level domainsIDNDNSSEC

    Overview

    • .read is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) string managed by Amazon and registered in the DNS root zone under ICANN's New gTLD Program.
    • The string conveys a reading- and books-related meaning and was proposed by Amazon as a dedicated platform for stable, secure online communication and interaction related to reading.
    • The technical registry operator noted in records is Neustar.

    History

    • The .read string was applied for during ICANN's New gTLD application process (Reveal Day referenced 13 June 2012).
    • .read was delegated to the DNS Root Zone on 5 December 2015.
    • Amazon is identified as the manager of the .read string; Neustar is recorded as the registry operator.

    Usage and Audience

    • Amazon stated its intent for .read to serve as a unique, dedicated platform for reading- and content-related services, emphasizing stability, security, innovation, and intellectual property protection.
    • The applicant explicitly planned to use .read in line with Amazon's business goals and to maintain control over domain provisioning rather than offering an open public registration model.
    • Typical audience implied by the application includes reading- and publishing-related services operated or authorized by Amazon.

    Registration Rules

    • Amazon described a Domain Management Policy that defines eligibility, allocation rules, license terms, and dispute-resolution processes. Key points from the application include:

      • Registration workflow: (i) Eligibility confirmation, (ii) Naming convention check, (iii) Acceptable use review, (iv) Registration.
      • All .read domains will remain the property of Amazon and may not be delegated or assigned to third-party organizations or individuals.
      • Amazon reserves the right to revoke a license to use a .read domain if use violates the Domain Management Policy.

    • Technical and naming constraints for second-level names (as stated in the application):

      • Length: minimum 3 characters, maximum 63 characters.
      • Allowed characters: letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens; must start and end with an alphanumeric character (no leading or trailing hyphens).
      • No hyphen allowed in the 3rd and 4th positions (to avoid tagged domains).
      • Names must not match ICANN-reserved strings, protected country names, or restricted geographical terms.
      • Internationalized domain names (IDNs) may be supported at the second level.
      • Registrations must carry accurate and up-to-date registration records.

    • Privacy and data handling:

      • Amazon indicated it would implement appropriate privacy policies respecting local jurisdictional requirements and noted participation in the U.S.–EU Safe Harbor program (as of the application text).

    SEO and Brand Impact

    • Amazon positioned .read as a way to gain greater control over technical architecture, innovation, and intellectual property protection for its reading-related services.
    • The application and Amazon's intended closed approach drew scrutiny and criticism related to the concept of "closed generic" gTLDs—generic terms operated in a restricted manner by a single company—which can influence public and industry perception about openness and competition.

    Notable Cases or Examples

    • Amazon's .read application was among several reading- and book-related strings (including .book and .author) that drew objections from booksellers. Barnes & Noble and other booksellers submitted letters of protest during the application process, expressing concern about Amazon holding exclusive control over such generic, market-relevant terms.

    Operator

    Amazon Registry Services, Inc.

    Whois

    % IANA WHOIS server
% for more information on IANA, visit http://www.iana.org
% This query returned 1 object

domain:       READ

organisation: Amazon Registry Services, Inc.
address:      410 Terry Avenue North
address:      Seattle WA 98109
address:      United States of America (the)

contact:      administrative
name:         Program Manager, Registry
organisation: Amazon Registry Services, Inc.
address:      410 Terry Avenue North
address:      Seattle WA 98109
address:      United States of America (the)
phone:        +1 206 646 5990
fax-no:       +1 206 946 7702
e-mail:       arsi-rzm@amazon.com

contact:      technical
name:         TLD Registry Services Technical
organisation: Nominet
address:      Minerva House
address:      Edmund Halley Road
address:      Oxford Science Park
address:      Oxford OX4 4DQ
address:      United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
phone:        +44.1865332211
e-mail:       registrytechnical@nominet.uk

nserver:      DNS1.NIC.READ 213.248.218.76 2a01:618:402:0:0:0:0:76
nserver:      DNS2.NIC.READ 103.49.82.76 2401:fd80:402:0:0:0:0:76
nserver:      DNS3.NIC.READ 213.248.222.76 2a01:618:406:0:0:0:0:76
nserver:      DNS4.NIC.READ 2401:fd80:406:0:0:0:0:76 43.230.50.76
nserver:      DNSA.NIC.READ 156.154.100.3 2001:502:ad09:0:0:0:0:3
nserver:      DNSB.NIC.READ 156.154.101.3 2001:502:2eda:0:0:0:0:3
nserver:      DNSC.NIC.READ 156.154.102.3 2610:a1:1009:0:0:0:0:3
nserver:      DNSD.NIC.READ 156.154.103.3 2610:a1:1010:0:0:0:0:3
ds-rdata:     15481 8 2 688ba91ca7dc1405423b597ef47becde3188530011815fbb5c55b484eecd9f31

whois:        

status:       ACTIVE
remarks:      Registration information: http://www.nic.read

created:      2015-11-12
changed:      2025-02-14
source:       IANA