.Com

Who Owns .Com

In a Nutshell

Understanding the key player: Discover who owns the .com domain and why it’s significant in the world of internet technology.
History and evolution: Learn how the .com domain name came to be and its journey to becoming the most coveted top-level domain.
Current management and oversight: Explore the organizations responsible for the oversight and management of .com domains, including their roles and responsibilities.
Future implications: Consider how emerging technologies and policy changes could affect the future management and ownership of .com.

The Origin of .Com
Who Actually Owns .Com?
The Role of ICANN and Verisign
Impact on Internet Governance
The Future of .Com Domains
FAQs

The Origin of .Com

The story of .com began in the early days of the internet. Initially introduced as one of the original top-level domains (TLDs) in January 1985, the .com domain was intended for commercial entities. As the internet expanded, .com became synonymous with businesses and commerce, setting the stage for the digital revolution.

Introduced alongside other TLDs like .org and .mil.
Primarily used by commercial enterprises but quickly became a go-to for all types of websites.
The .com domain is now the most popular domain suffix, with millions of registrations worldwide.

For more historical insights, check out this detailed overview on Who Owns .Com History.

Who Actually Owns .Com?

The direct owner of the .com domain is not a single entity. The management of the .com domain involves a collaborative framework among different organizations.

Verisign: The company with the exclusive rights to manage the .com registry.
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers): The governing body responsible for overseeing domain name system policies, including the approval of TLDs.

You can read more about how ownership is structured on Who Owns.

For an external perspective, explore how domain registries function via Wikipedia’s entry on Domain Name Registry.

The Role of ICANN and Verisign

ICANN and Verisign are pivotal to the operational and administrative aspects of .com domains.

ICANN: Ensures stability and security of the internet’s domain name system. It oversees the global coordination of the DNS (Domain Name System) to maintain a secure and stable internet.
Verisign: Operates the .com registry. It maintains the database of all .com domain names and ensures technical services like DNS resolution.

For a deeper understanding of ICANN’s mission and structure, check ICANN’s official site.

Impact on Internet Governance

The management of .com domains affects broader internet governance.

Governance involves stakeholders like governments, private companies, and civil society.
The establishment of new policies or changes in management can impact how users and businesses acquire and maintain .com domains.

Consider reading more about internet governance from ISOC’s overview on Internet Governance.

The Future of .Com Domains

Emerging technologies and regulations could influence the future landscape of .com domain ownership.

Blockchain DNS systems: These could decentralize domain ownership and offer more security.
Evolving regulations: These could affect pricing, availability, and the authority of current managing bodies.

To keep updated on potential technological impacts on domain names, visit TechCrunch’s section on the future of DNS.

FAQs

What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company authorized to sell domain names. Registrars allow the general public to register domain names that they do not control directly.

Why does Verisign manage .com domains?
Verisign manages the .com domain under a contract with ICANN, which authorizes it to handle the technical operation and management of the registry database.

How can I find out who owns a specific .com domain?
You can use WHOIS search tools to find the registered owner of a .com domain. Websites like Whois.net offer such services.

What are the implications of .com domains on global businesses?
.Com domains provide a level of trust and recognition worldwide, making them a preferred choice for international businesses looking to establish an online presence.

How can I register a .com domain?
You can register a .com domain through any accredited domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or directly through registrars listed on ICANN’s website.

Are all .com domains commercial websites?
No, while .com initially stood for “commercial,” various entities, including non-profits and individuals, register .com domains for a wide range of purposes.

Can .com ownership change?
Yes, ownership changes can occur through the process of transferring domain registration from one party to another, typically involving a legal transfer agreement and registrar updates.