The top-level domain (TLD) for Taipei is “.taipei.” A top-level domain is the last segment of the domain name – that portion following the final dot, and it forms the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. The TLD becomes the ‘suffix,’ and it is intended to help categorize and sort domains based on various factors like geographical location, purpose, or type of organization.
“.taipei” fits into the category of a geographical TLD, often referred to as a geoTLD. It is a TLD in the Domain Name System of the Internet used to signify geographical, geopolitical, ethnic, linguistic or cultural representation. The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan is the sponsoring organization behind the .taipei TLD. The management of the TLD was given to Taipei City Government from ICANN on December 6, 2013 (source: ICANN Minutes 28-Nov-2013).
The “.taipei” TLD is used by businesses, organizations, and individuals who are located in or strongly affiliated with the city of Taipei. This TLD helps connect the community, foster economic growth, and manage the brand of Taipei City. For example, a local restaurant in Taipei might use a domain such as “bestfood.taipei” to attract customers.
Official government websites may also use this TLD, for instance, “gov.taipei.” This TLD can reinforce a site’s content by ensuring users that the site is locally-based and serve a recognized governmental function for the residents of Taipei.
The GeoTLD Governance Group, a not-for-profit membership organization formed by several geographical TLDs, enlists “.taipei” among its members (source: GeoTLD.group Members). This indicates a form of recognition and acceptance of “.taipei” within the international community managing respective geoTLDs.
According to a 2015 news update, the “.taipei” domain names were open to public registrations from September 8, 2015. Existing businesses, organizations, and individuals based in Taipei were allowed to register their domain names on a first-come, first-served basis. The information comes from OnlineNIC—an ICANN & CNNIC & HKIRC Accredited Registrar. (source: OnlineNIC News “dot.taipei”).
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) plays a key role in the process of introduction and promotion of new geographical TLDs like “.taipei”. ICANN is an internationally organized, non-profit corporation that has responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system management, and root server system management functions.
In conclusion, whether it’s for personal usage, a local business or governmental function, the “.taipei” TLD helps navigate internet users to understand the geographic location or affiliation of a specific website, ultimately making web navigation more intuitive. A city-specific TLD like “.taipei” can help promote local development and strengthen the city’s online identity (source: ICANN.org).
