The .google TLD is a generic top-level domain operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a subsidiary of Google LLC. It was created as a brand TLD, meaning it is intended exclusively for Google's own services and products. Unlike open TLDs such as .com, .google is not available for public registration. You cannot buy a .google domain for your personal website or business. This restriction ensures Google can control the namespace for security and branding purposes. The domain launched in 2014, part of ICANN's new gTLD program, and it remains one of the most recognizable brand TLDs on the internet. Google uses .google for some of its official sites, though many of its services still operate under .com.
History
ICANN delegated the .google TLD to Charleston Road Registry Inc. on September 9, 2014. It was one of several brand TLDs Google applied for, including .youtube and .docs. The application process drew attention because of Google's size and influence. Since delegation, .google has been used sparingly. Most famously, Google redirected its main search page from google.com to google.google for a short period in 2015 as a promotional stunt. The TLD is managed under the same infrastructure as other Google registry TLDs.
Eligibility and restrictions
Not open to public registration. Registration is restricted to Google LLC and its affiliates. No third-party registrations are permitted.
At a glance
- ASCII TLD
- Type
- generic
- Sponsoring organisation
- Charleston Road Registry Inc.
- IANA record
- IANA root zone DB