Facebook Inc. has acquired the single letter domain name i.org according to whois records!
Facebook owns the domain name Internet.org and is leading the effort of connecting the 2/3’s of the world who do not have internet. It is unknown at this time if the newly acquired domain name I.org will be used with this effort.
I.org was held by PIR registry and under the Project 94 which is:
“Project94 is the allocation of 94 1-2 character .ORG domain names that have never been released for registration. Through GoDaddy and eNom, these names will be made available to registrants who not only reflect the core attributes of the .ORG domain but also reinforce the trust and value of the .ORG brand.”
“Proceeds from Project94 will be directed to programs that enhance the open development and security of the Internet, particularly in technologically undeserved parts of the world.”
In 2013, PIR held an auction and starting bid prices were $50,000 on single letter domains.
WordPress got w.org and now Facebook. Good find Jamie.
Good find and a very good boost for the .org. We own 1ea,org-maybe it will be worth more than the hand reg fee someday! Great post-thank you.
Any idea why WordPress and Facebook keep these domains at GoDaddy and eNom (respectively)? You’d think w.org and i.org would both be at MarkMonitor. The domains were transferred out of PIR’s registry registrar to those registrars, so it’s not like they initially had to wait 60 days.
I had seen that eNom and GoDaddy have a partnership with the Project94 domains. If you visit one of the “available” domains for an example, like B.org there is a line of text on the page that states “Through partnerships with registrars Godaddy and eNom” so that would be the reason why the domains are only with one of the two. http://www.project94.org/ shows which domain names are with what registrar.
Quote: ” … reflect the core attributes of the .ORG domain but also reinforce the trust and value of the .ORG brand ….. enhance the open development and security of the Internet” /Quote
Practically the antithesis of Facebook, IMHO. Nothing open or secure about a company that sells people’s privacy to the high bidder.
I completely agree with you.