The top-level domain (TLD) “.navy” is part of the Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. The Domain Name System functions similarly to a phone book for the internet by allotting a unique identifier to every website.
The .navy TLD is categorized as a Generic top-level domain (gTLD), which was introduced through ICANN’s New gTLD Program. This program aimed to expand the domain name system through the introduction of new TLDs. The application for the .navy TLD was submitted to ICANN by United TLD Holdco Ltd., now known as Rightside Registry, a company that has introduced several new TLDs to boost options for domain names.
The “.navy” TLD is meant for navy institutions and navy families around the globe. However, it can technically be used by anyone interested, including relevant businesses, researchers, veterans, and the military community at large. It can help websites signify their connection to the navy, and it can help users identify websites that have some relation to the navy.
The Rightside Registry policies mention that every registered domain name in the .navy namespace is subject to a Registration Policy that sets out the terms governing the domain’s use. To curb misuse and to protect the interests of global navy families and institutions, the .navy TLD may have guidelines regarding acceptable use or content.
Given the relatively new introduction of this gTLD, there are few statistics on the which websites are currently using the .navy TLD. However, as of a 2016 ICANN report, there were more than 1000 registrations under the .navy TLD.
Sources:
1. ICANN’s list of Applicants for new gTLDs: https://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationchangehistory/1084
2. .navy domain registration policy: https://rightside.co/fileadmin/user_upload/Policies/navy_registration_policy_20150211.pdf
3. 2016 ICANN ngtlds.subpro post-transition report: https://cdn.icann.org/icannresolutions/adopted-resolutions-10nov16-en.pdf
4. ICANN’s New gTLD Program: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/tld-ordering-prioritization-draw
5. DNS: https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/what-is-dns/
