London and Scotland after own domain names

gallery

Both London and Scotland are looking into having their own internet domains, meaning .london and .scot could be seen online soon.

The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) will be accepting submissions for new top level domains (TLDs) for three months from 12 January.

London & Partners, the PR agency for the UK’s capital, said it was exploring what benefits a .london TLD would bring. It said it would be coordinating with London boroughs and other city organisations over the plans.

“London has always been seen as a city that leads on digital innovation and our interest in applying for dot London demonstrates our commitment to maintaining this position,” said Gordon Innes, CEO of London & Partners.

“We believe that owning the dot London gTLD will not only generate increased opportunities for the promotion of the capital, but will achieve benefits for businesses and organisations across the capital.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government is looking for more support for a .scot TLD. The UK Government has now been asked to give the bid its backing, according to the BBC.

“I am sure the UK Government with its responsibility for internet governance will want to support us,” said Alex Neil, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment.

"Across the board support would undoubtedly strengthen our hand and build momentum behind the bid."

Scotland has been looking for a .scot TLD for some time. The not-for-profit body Dot Scot Registry was founded two years ago to campaign for the Scottish internet domain.

Other cities across the world are looking at applying for their own TLD, including Berlin, New York, Paris, Rome and Sydney.

Email to a friend

Print this page