The .pl domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Poland. It serves as a digital identifier for entities associated with Poland, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. The .pl domain is widely used for websites that are either based in Poland or have a significant connection to the country.
The .pl domain was created on March 16, 1990. It was established as part of the early efforts to develop the internet infrastructure in Poland following the fall of communism. The initiative for the .pl domain was led by the Polish academic community, particularly by the Institute of Computer Science at the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Today, the .pl domain is managed by the NASK (Research and Academic Computer Network), which is responsible for the registration and administration of the domain. NASK operates under the supervision of the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs, ensuring compliance with national and international regulations governing domain management.
Registration of .pl domains is open to anyone, including individuals and organizations, regardless of their nationality or location. However, there are specific requirements for certain second-level domains:
The procedure for obtaining a .pl domain typically involves selecting a domain name, checking its availability, and completing the registration process through an accredited registrar. Registrars must be authorized by NASK to facilitate the registration.
The .pl domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing users to register domain names in Polish characters. The maximum length for .pl domain names is 63 characters, and they can include letters, digits, and hyphens, with the exception that they cannot start or end with a hyphen.
DNS for .pl domains is managed by NASK, which employs a robust infrastructure to ensure reliability and performance. The nameservers for .pl domains are typically set up to provide redundancy and high availability.
Like many domain zones, .pl has faced issues with abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. To combat these threats, NASK has implemented several security measures, including:
The .pl domain has seen significant growth in registrations over the years. As of October 2023, there are over 1.5 million registered .pl domains, making it one of the most popular ccTLDs in Europe.
The cost of registering a .pl domain typically ranges from €10 to €30 per year, depending on the registrar and any additional services offered. Premium domains, which are often short or contain popular keywords, may be priced significantly higher, reflecting their market demand.
The .pl domain zone plays a crucial role in Poland's digital landscape, providing a platform for a wide range of entities. With its robust administration, open registration policy, and commitment to security, the .pl domain continues to grow in popularity and relevance.