The Top-Level Domain (TLD) “.hk” is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Hong Kong. Top-Level Domains are the suffixes at the end of web addresses and, in the hierarchy of domain names, come at the highest level. These can generally be divided into three broad categories: gTLDs (generic Top-Level Domains like .com, .net, .org, etc.), ccTLDs (country code TLDs, like .eu for European Union, .us for United States, .au for Australia, etc.), and newer, specialized doman names that fall outside these categories (like .blog, .shop, .info, etc.).
As per the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is a department of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), “.hk” is indeed the designated domain for Hong Kong. This domain was established in 1990 and is managed by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Ltd. (HKIRC). It provides the gateway to many business, news platforms, and educational institutions in Hong Kong.
For instance, the Hong Kong government utilizes this domain, with its site registered under “www.gov.hk,” providing clear and user-friendly access to all types of information and services of the government entities. Hong Kong’s leading newspaper, South China Morning Post, also uses .hk, with their official domain as “www.scmp.com.hk.” Many prestigious educational institutes, such as The University of Hong Kong, have their main websites ending in .hk, as in “www.hku.hk”.
Moreover, many businesses opt for .hk domain names to highlight their link to Hong Kong, especially those targeting local customers or businesses. Using the .hk TLD helps to exhibit an enterprise’s credibility and commitment to the local market. It also improves search engine optimization by making the website more likely to appear in results for Hong Kong-based searches.
On a technical note, it is worth noting that .hk domain names can be registered directly at the second level or at the third level beneath categorized second-level domains like .com.hk, .net.hk, .org.hk, etc. The former is more typical for local businesses and individuals, while the latter is more often used by international entities operating in Hong Kong.
In conclusion, the Top-Level Domain “.hk” serves an important function in distinguishing and emphasizing Hong Kong’s identity in the digital world.
Sources:
- The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). “Root Zone Database.” Available at: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
- Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Ltd. (HKIRC) “About .hk domain name”. Available at: https://www.hkirc.hk/en/
- .hk official website of the government of the HKSAR. Available at: https://www.gov.hk/
- South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. 2021. All rights reserved. Available at: http://www.scmp.com.hk/
- University of Hong Kong. Available at: https://www.hku.hk/
