The .cc domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a territory of Australia. Although it was originally designated for this specific geographic region, it has gained popularity as a generic domain for various uses, including commercial, personal, and organizational purposes. The .cc domain is often utilized by businesses and individuals looking for an alternative to more common domain extensions, such as .com or .net.
The .cc domain was created in 1997 as part of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) initiative to manage country code domains. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which are located in the Indian Ocean, were the designated territory for this ccTLD. The initial management of the .cc domain was overseen by the Australian government, but it was later transferred to private entities.
Today, the .cc domain is administered by CentralNic Group PLC, a global domain name registry. CentralNic is responsible for the technical and operational management of the .cc domain. The domain is also subject to oversight by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which regulates domain name systems globally.
Anyone can register a .cc domain, with no specific restrictions on citizenship, location, or type of applicant. This open registration policy has contributed to the popularity of the .cc domain among various users, including businesses, non-profits, and individuals. The procedure for obtaining a .cc domain typically involves the following steps:
The .cc domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing users to register domain names in various languages and scripts. The technical specifications for .cc domains include:
Like many domain extensions, the .cc domain has faced issues related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. However, CentralNic has implemented several security measures to mitigate these risks:
The .cc domain has seen a steady increase in registrations over the years. As of October 2023, there are approximately 1.5 million registered .cc domains. The cost for registering a .cc domain typically ranges from $10 to $30 per year, depending on the registrar and any additional services offered. Premium domains within the .cc zone may be available at higher prices, reflecting their market value.
The .cc domain has established itself as a versatile and accessible option for a wide range of users. Its open registration policy, technical capabilities, and growing reputation make it an attractive choice for businesses and individuals alike.