The top-level domain (TLD) .PARIS is a geographic TLD, otherwise known as a geoTLD. GeoTLDs are part of the domain of the internet which is controlled by ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. According to ICANN, a geographic TLD is meant to represent a “geographic location,” in this particular case, it’s the city of Paris.
The .PARIS domain is sponsored and managed by the city government of Paris, according to the ICANN database. This means it’s regulated by the City of Paris itself, allowing the domain to act not only as an address system for the Internet but also a method for the city to promote itself, its attractions, services, businesses and communities online. The actual technical operation of the .PARIS domain is handled by AFNIC, the French Network Information Centre, which is also responsible for the .FR (France) TLD among others.
The .PARIS TLD was proposed in 2008 as part of ICANN’s expansion of the overall domain naming system of the internet and it became available for general registration in December 2014. This expansion allowed for the creation of hundreds of new TLDs, including many geographic ones like .NYC for New York City and .LONDON for London.
Speaking of real practical examples, some of the biggest companies, institutions, and figures have acquired their own .PARIS domain. This includes prestigious entities like the Louvre Museum (www.louvre.paris), a globally renowned art museum, and RATP Group (www.ratp.paris), the state-owned public transport operator headquartered in Paris.
Overall, having a .PARIS TLD allows entities, businesses, and individuals in Paris to create a strong online identity linked to their physical location. This could help locals, tourists, and businesses to find relevant Paris-based information, services, or products online. However, according to the domain’s registration policies, you have to prove a connection to the Paris community to be allowed to register a .PARIS domain.
In conclusion, the .PARIS top-level domain (TLD) represents the digital identity for the city of Paris on the internet. It helps the city to promote the local economy, culture, and helps individuals, organizations, and businesses to express their association with the city.
For these informations, I’ve referred to the ICANN’s database and public reports related to the introduction of new generic top-level domains, documents from the AFNIC, and the official websites of entities using .PARIS TLD.
Sources:
ICANN, “New gTLD Current Application Status,” https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/application-results
AFNIC, “The .paris TLD is open to all!,” https://www.afnic.fr/en/about-afnic/news/general-news/8832/show/the-paris-tld-is-open-to-all.html
Louvre Museum, https://www.louvre.paris/
RATP Group, http://www.ratp.paris/
