The AI Land Grab: Why the Battle for .api and .agi Matters for Commerce
AI-generated image · US National Wire
As ICANN reviews over 1,600 new domain applications, big tech is fighting for the strings that will define machine-to-machine discovery.
Q: What is currently happening with global top-level domains (GTLDs)?
A: ICANN has opened applications for new GTLDs for the first time since 2012. As The Register first reported, the organization announced on Wednesday that it received 1,615 applications. These strings, which function like ".com" or ".net," are currently undergoing a viability confirmation process.
Q: Which specific domain strings are seeing the most competition from tech giants?
A: There is significant friction over strings that define the future of AI and connectivity. The Register reports that Google, acting through its Charleston Road Registry subsidiary, is involved in an eight-way battle for .api. Additionally, seven different applicants are seeking the .agi string (likely referring to artificial general intelligence), including OpenAI. Competition is also high for .agent, which has 13 different entities vying for control, including Google and Meta.
Q: Beyond .api and .agi, what other AI-centric domains are being targeted?
A: Several companies are bidding for strings tied to specific protocols and products. The Register notes that OpenAI is seeking .mcp (likely referring to the Model Context Protocol), a string that Google and three other entities have also bid for. Meta is competing with one other entity for .superintelligence, while OpenAI is also seeking .chatgpt.
Q: How are other major players like Microsoft, Anthropic, and Salesforce approaching this?
A: Some companies are focusing on brand-specific identity. The Register reports that Microsoft is seeking .copilot and .msft, while Anthropic is applying for .claude and its own name. Salesforce is pursuing its own name along with .force, .slack, and .tableau. Meta is the sole applicant for .wearables.
Q: What happens when multiple companies want the same domain string?
A: Per The Register, ICANN first utilizes a "community priority evaluation" to determine the most suitable owner. If that process does not resolve the conflict, the rights to the GTLD are decided via auction.
Q: What is the timeline for these new domains to become active?
A: All applications must be finalized by November 17, which is known as String Confirmation Day. The Register reports that once successful applicants establish their registries, users will likely be able to register domains using these new GTLDs next year.