A proposal has been put forward to create a new .self top-level domain that would provide free domain names to individuals for self-hosting purposes, aiming to reclaim digital autonomy. If realized, .self could lower barriers for self-hosting and decentralize web hosting, but it faces significant challenges such as abuse prevention, identity verification, and sustainable funding. The proposal includes one free domain per person with rules against parking, squatting, and reselling, but enforcement mechanisms remain unclear, especially for distinguishing legitimate use from abuse.
Background
A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, such as .com or .org. Self-hosting means running your own servers for websites, email, or other services rather than using third-party providers. The .self TLD would be a generic TLD intended specifically for individuals hosting their own digital presence.
References
Discussion
Community comments express mixed views: some recall the abuse of free .tk domains, others suggest reputation-based systems or identity proofing, while many question the economic sustainability and enforcement against squatting.