Top-level domain (TLD) is integral to the structure of internet addresses and is a key element of every website URL. Different countries have different TLDs assigned to them, and “.mo” is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Macao.
Under the structure of the Domain Name System (DNS) as maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the ccTLD of “.mo” is administered by the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation (DSRT) of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). The use of .mo is restricted to entities connected to Macao and requires a local contact, which means that to obtain a .mo domain, the registrant must either be a Macao resident or possess a registered company in Macao.
The Macao Network Information Centre (MONIC), under the supervision of DSRT, is responsible for the day-to-day administration and operation of the “.mo” domain. As of the rules set by MONIC, the domain names registered under “.mo” must possess a legitimate character length, not exceed stipulated lengths, be easy to memorize and spell, and not violate any third-party rights, among other guidelines. For instance, if you visit www.dsrc.mo, it will lead you to the website of The Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation.
It is also worth noting that there are various categories of domains under “.mo”, such as “.com.mo” for commercial entities, “.edu.mo” for educational institutions, and “.gov.mo” for the Macau government among others.
The goal of these restrictions and categorizations is to prevent cybersquatting or domain name hijacking, ensuring that domain names align with the identity and purpose of their respective organizations. This helps internet users to identify and associate the nature of the website from its URL, fostering a more structured internet browsing experience.
In sum, “.mo” is the TLD specially designated for Macao, following IANA’s ordination. It is rigorously regulated by the local entities of Macao’s SAR, enhancing the reliability and specificity of websites registered under this domain.
The main sources of this information are the aforementioned IANA (https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/mo.html), the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation (http://www.dsrt.gov.mo/), and the Macao Network Information Centre (http://www.monic.mo/). A study titled “Domain Analysis: A Six-Nation Comparative Study” in the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/asi.20598) provides additional academic context in understanding the importance and regulation of country-specific domains.
