The .io domain has become super popular among tech companies, especially startups and developers. Over the years, it’s gained a lot of fans, with even big names like Google using .io for their online presence.
Originally, .io was assigned to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), but it’s grown beyond its geographic roots. Because it’s short, easy to remember, and sounds like “input/output” (a techie term), it’s become the go-to choice for innovative companies looking to stand out.
From AI startups to SaaS platforms, .io has become a symbol of cutting-edge technology. But now, political changes around BIOT are raising questions about the future of this beloved domain, leaving many companies wondering if their online presence is at risk.
In this article, we explore the uncertain future of .io domains and what it means for tech startups and companies that rely on them.
What’s the issue?
The .io domain is tied to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), a UK overseas territory. Recently, the UK decided to give control of the Chagos Islands, part of BIOT, to Mauritius after years of pressure. If BIOT ceases to exist, there’s a chance the .io domain could disappear too.
“The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland today confirm that they have reached an historic political agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago,” the UK government said in a press release.
Typically, country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .io are managed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). If a country code is removed, ICANN (the organization that oversees domains) might start a five-year phase-out process for the domain. This has tech companies worried about what’s next for their .io domains.
In the past, the .yu domain (for Yugoslavia) was retired when the country no longer existed.
However, ICANN gave a three-year transition period for domain holders to switch. While there’s a precedent for phasing out ccTLDs, it’s not always a sure thing.
ICANN’s role and uncertainty
Despite the uncertainty, ICANN’s main goal is to keep the internet stable and secure. Shutting down a popular domain like .io could cause a lot of disruption, especially in the tech and startup world. So, while there’s a chance the .io domain could be affected, ICANN will likely try to avoid major disruptions.
What could happen next?
There are a few possible scenarios:
- Nothing changes: ICANN could decide to keep the .io domain as is, and life goes on for domain holders;
- Re-delegation to Mauritius: If .io is handed over to Mauritius, the country might negotiate new terms with the current manager of the domain, potentially leading to higher fees;
- Retirement of .io: If ICANN decides to retire the .io domain, there would likely be a transition period, similar to what happened with the .yu domain.
So what exactly happens if .io domains disappear?
Okay, let’s talk about the worst-case scenario: What if .io domains actually go away? Well, if that happens, you’ll have to move your website to a new domain. And that could be a big headache for some businesses. You might have to:
- Buy an expensive .com, .org, or .ai domain — and anyone who’s shopped for a good .com knows how pricey that can get;
- Settle for a different domain name that isn’t already taken, which could mean rebranding or settling for a less ideal option.
Either way, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It could hurt your SEO. Here's how:
- Broken backlinks: All those links pointing to your site from other places on the web? They could break, and that means losing the "link equity" you’ve built up over time;
- Drop in domain authority: Your site’s overall "strength" in the eyes of search engines could take a hit;
- Traffic dips: Even if you set up 301 redirects (which send visitors from your old URL to your new one), you might still see drops in organic traffic and keyword rankings as search engines slowly re-index your new site.
In short, migrating to a new domain requires careful planning and constant monitoring using tools like Google Search Console to avoid penalties from broken links and crawl errors.
How does this impact the domain industry?
If .io domains disappear, it won’t just be businesses that feel the impact — the entire domain industry could see some big changes:
- Valuation of domains: Right now, .io domains are hot property, especially in the tech world. But if their future becomes uncertain, their value could drop like a rock, affecting both domain investors and businesses that rely on them;
- Rise of alternative domains: If .io goes away, people will start looking for other options. We could see a surge in popularity for other country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .ai, .tech, or even generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .com or .org. Domain registrars will likely see a spike in demand for these alternatives;
- Economic shifts: ccTLDs can be big money-makers for the countries that control them. If the .io domain is handed over to Mauritius, they could gain a new economic opportunity — assuming they decide to manage and keep the domain.
Should tech startups be worried?
If you’re using a .io domain, stay informed but don’t panic just yet. While the legal and political situation is complicated, it’s unlikely ICANN would shut down such a popular domain without giving companies time to switch to something else. That said, it might be smart to secure a backup domain, like a .com, just in case.
Conclusion
The future of .io domains is uncertain, but with the right planning, tech startups can navigate this challenge without major disruptions. Keep an eye on the situation and be prepared to make a switch if needed.
