The Journey to
a Human-Centered
Top-Level Domain
Documenting the Human-Centered Computing Foundation's official application process through ICANN’s Applicant Support Program to establish .self as a safe, ethical domain namespace.
gTLD Application Formally Submitted
HCCF has submitted its application through ICANN's Applicant Support Program (ASP) for the .self generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD). This marks a crucial step forward in establishing dedicated, privacy-focused internet infrastructure operating for user benefit rather than corporate extraction.
About the .self gTLD
Explore the .self information hub
The proposed .self generic top-level domain is designed as a secure home namespace tailored for human-centered computing devices and self-hosted environments operating at human scale.
In today's digital landscape, personal data and user connections are routinely funneled through centralized platforms and exploited for ad revenue or data harvesting. The .self top-level domain aims to reverse this standard by prioritizing individual sovereignty, end-to-end user data ownership, and transparent network governance.
Key principles guiding the .self namespace include:
- Built-in Anti-Abuse Rules: Strong governance mechanisms to prevent malicious exploitation and spam within the namespace.
- Privacy by Default: Architectural protections against unauthorized tracking and surveillance.
- Equitable Access: Structured under ICANN's ASP framework to ensure sustainable, non-extractive availability.
ICANN Evaluation Stages
1. Application Submission
Completed on August 12, 2026. Official documentation submitted via ICANN Applicant Support Program.
2. Pre-Evaluation Processing
Underway. Verification of eligibility criteria, financial stability, and operational capabilities.
3. String Evaluation & Contention
Technical evaluation of requested gTLD string and resolution of potential conflicts.
4. Contracting & Delegation
Final registry agreements with ICANN and technical delegation into the DNS root zone.