Information About the .CAT Domain Zone

Overview of the .cat Domain Zone

The .cat domain is a top-level domain (TLD) specifically designed for the Catalan linguistic and cultural community. It serves as a digital space for individuals, organizations, and businesses that identify with Catalan culture, language, and heritage. The primary purpose of the .cat domain is to promote and preserve the Catalan language and culture on the internet.

Historical Context

The .cat domain was officially created in 2005, following a long process that began in the early 2000s. The initiative for the .cat domain was spearheaded by the Associació puntCAT, a non-profit organization founded in 2000. The organization aimed to establish a dedicated online space for the Catalan-speaking community, which spans across several regions, including Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands in Spain, as well as parts of France and Italy.

Administration

The .cat domain is currently managed by the Fundació puntCAT, which took over the administration from the Associació puntCAT in 2006. The Fundació puntCAT is responsible for the promotion, management, and technical operation of the .cat domain. The domain is overseen by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which ensures compliance with international standards for domain registration and management.

Registration Policy

Registration of .cat domains is open to anyone who identifies with the Catalan culture, language, or community. This includes individuals, businesses, and organizations, regardless of their geographical location. However, registrants must demonstrate a connection to the Catalan language or culture, which can be verified through various means.

• Eligibility: Individuals, organizations, and businesses that promote or are connected to the Catalan language and culture.
• Restrictions: There are no specific restrictions based on citizenship or location, but applicants must prove their connection to the Catalan community.
• Registration Process: Interested parties can register a .cat domain through accredited registrars. The process typically involves filling out an application form and providing documentation that supports the applicant's connection to Catalan culture.

Technical Parameters

The .cat domain supports various technical features that enhance its usability and accessibility:

• IDN Support: The .cat domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), allowing for domain names in Catalan characters.
• Allowed Length: Domain names can range from 3 to 63 characters.
• Permitted Characters: The domain allows letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-), with specific restrictions on the placement of hyphens.
• DNS Features: The .cat domain utilizes standard DNS protocols and offers DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) for enhanced security.

Reputation and Security

As with many domains, the .cat zone has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attempts. However, the Fundació puntCAT has implemented several measures to mitigate these risks:

• Abuse Prevention: The organization actively monitors registered domains for misuse and has mechanisms in place to address complaints.
• Security Measures: The implementation of DNSSEC helps protect against certain types of attacks, enhancing the overall security of the domain.

Commercial Indicators

The .cat domain has shown steady growth since its inception, reflecting the increasing interest in Catalan culture online:

• Registration Trends: As of October 2023, there are approximately 100,000 registered .cat domains, indicating a robust and engaged community.
• Cost of Registration: The cost for registering a .cat domain typically ranges from €10 to €30 per year, depending on the registrar.
• Premium Domains: There are premium .cat domains available, which may come at a higher registration cost due to their desirability.