The .asia domain zone is a top-level domain (TLD) that serves as a digital identity for individuals, businesses, and organizations with a connection to the Asia-Pacific region. It was created to promote the Asian community and its diverse cultures, languages, and economies. The .asia domain is intended for use by entities that are either located in Asia or have a significant interest in the region.
The .asia domain was officially launched on March 26, 2008. The initiative to create this domain was driven by the desire to foster a sense of community among Asian nations and to provide a platform for businesses and individuals to connect in the digital space. The Asia-Pacific Top Level Domain Association (APTLD) played a crucial role in advocating for the establishment of the .asia domain, with support from various stakeholders across the region.
The .asia domain is managed by the DotAsia Organisation, a non-profit organization based in Hong Kong. DotAsia is responsible for the overall administration and promotion of the .asia TLD. The organization operates under the oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is the global authority for domain name management.
Registration of .asia domains is open to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide, provided they have a connection to the Asia-Pacific region. There are no specific citizenship or residency requirements, but registrants must demonstrate a legitimate interest in the region. The registration process typically involves the following steps:
The .asia domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for domain names in various Asian scripts. The technical specifications for .asia domains include:
Like many TLDs, the .asia domain has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. However, DotAsia has implemented several mechanisms to mitigate these issues:
The .asia domain has seen varying levels of registration activity since its launch. As of October 2023, there are approximately 200,000 registered .asia domains. The cost of registration and renewal can vary by registrar, but it typically ranges from $10 to $30 per year. Additionally, premium domains within the .asia zone may be available at higher prices, reflecting their perceived value in the market.
The .asia domain zone serves as a vital online space for individuals and organizations connected to the Asia-Pacific region. With its supportive administration, flexible registration policies, and commitment to security, .asia continues to play an important role in fostering digital connections across Asia.