.zero

Overview

• .zero is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated to the DNS Root Zone as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program.
• The registry is operated by Amazon and is described by the applicant as a platform for stable, secure online communication, innovation, and protection of intellectual property.

History

• Applied-for as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program (application details referenced around 2012).
• Delegated to the Root Zone on 5 December 2015.
• Registry operator: Amazon.

Usage and Audience

• Intended use (per Amazon's application):
  • A unique, dedicated platform for stable and secure online communication and interaction.
  • A platform for innovation under Amazon's control.
  • A namespace that enables Amazon to protect its intellectual property rights.
• Operational model / audience implications:
  • All .zero domain names are to remain the property of Amazon and are provisioned in line with Amazon's business goals.
  • .zero domains may not be delegated or assigned to third-party organizations, institutions, or individuals, indicating primarily internal or tightly controlled uses by Amazon.

Registration Rules

• Policy framework:
  • Amazon's Intellectual Property group will develop, maintain and enforce a Domain Management Policy covering eligibility, allocation rules, license terms and dispute resolution.
  • Registration involves four steps: (i) Eligibility confirmation, (ii) Naming convention check, (iii) Acceptable use review, and (iv) Registration.
  • Amazon reserves the right to revoke a license to use a .zero domain if use violates the Domain Management Policy.
• Name requirements & technical rules (as stated by the applicant):
  • Minimum length: 3 characters; maximum: 63 characters.
  • Must contain only letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens; start and end with an alphanumeric character (no leading or trailing hyphens).
  • No hyphen in the 3rd and 4th positions (rules for 'tagged' domains).
  • Must not match ICANN-reserved strings or protected country names/geographical terms.
  • Internationalized domain names (IDNs) may be supported at the second level.
• Other operational points:
  • All .zero domains will carry accurate and up-to-date registration records.
  • The registry will respect third-party intellectual property rights and implement privacy policies appropriate to local jurisdictions.
  • Amazon participates in the U.S.–EU Safe Harbor program (as noted) as an example of privacy practices.
  • The applicant indicated there is no foreseeable public outreach or mass marketing for the registry because domains will be provisioned according to Amazon's business goals.

SEO and Brand Impact

• Amazon's stated goals for .zero emphasize stability, security and additional technical control; the registry is positioned to support Amazon's brand protection and innovation efforts.
• Since all .zero domains remain Amazon property and registrations are tightly controlled, the gTLD functions as a corporate-controlled namespace rather than a broadly available public TLD—this affects brand positioning and trust by signaling direct brand control and IP protection.
• The registry's stated privacy measures (including participation in Safe Harbor) and commitment to accurate registration records are presented as components of trust and compliance with jurisdictional requirements.

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

domain:       ZERO

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:         Howard Eland, Senior Director, DNS Infrastructure Group
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:       tldtech@identity.digital

nserver:      V0N0.NIC.ZERO 2a01:8840:4a:0:0:0:0:12 65.22.76.12
nserver:      V0N1.NIC.ZERO 2a01:8840:4b:0:0:0:0:12 65.22.77.12
nserver:      V0N2.NIC.ZERO 2a01:8840:4c:0:0:0:0:12 65.22.78.12
nserver:      V0N3.NIC.ZERO 161.232.38.12 2a01:8840:10c:0:0:0:0:12
nserver:      V2N0.NIC.ZERO 2a01:8840:4d:0:0:0:0:12 65.22.79.12
nserver:      V2N1.NIC.ZERO 161.232.39.12 2a01:8840:10d:0:0:0:0:12
ds-rdata:     52774 8 2 2f7c24f9a7f75c1ba05da9b742209f4e8204bd280f50b4f64800854b0965dd12

whois:        whois.nic.zero

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

created:      2015-11-12
changed:      2025-06-17
source:       IANA