What is .cloud?
.cloud entered the DNS root zone on June 26, 2015, 11 years ago. It came out of ICANN's New gTLD Program, the 2012 application round that grew the root from 22 generic TLDs to well over a thousand.
On the technical side, .cloud is served by 4 authoritative name servers, every one of them reachable over IPv6. It is also DNSSEC-signed: the root zone carries a DS record for .cloud, which lets validating resolvers check its answers cryptographically. Registration data is published over RDAP and WHOIS (the WHOIS server is whois.nic.cloud).
.cloud FAQ
What does .cloud mean?
.cloud is a generic top-level domain named for the word "cloud", and it's aimed at tech & startups. It doesn't belong to any country.
What is .cloud used for?
.cloud is mostly used for tech & startups. Like most gTLDs, it's a label of intent rather than a guarantee — check the site, not just the ending.
What country is .cloud?
None. .cloud is a generic top-level domain, so it isn't tied to any country.
Who owns the .cloud domain extension?
Aruba PEC S.p.A. operates .cloud as its registry, under a registry agreement with ICANN.
When was .cloud created?
.cloud was delegated to the DNS root zone on June 26, 2015.
Is .cloud a valid domain?
Yes. .cloud is an active top-level domain in the DNS root zone, delegated in 2015, so .cloud addresses work in every browser.
Can I buy a .cloud domain?
.cloud names are sold through ICANN-accredited registrars. Some gTLDs restrict who can register, so read Aruba PEC S.p.A.'s policy if you're unsure.
Is .cloud DNSSEC-signed?
Yes, the root zone holds a DS record for .cloud.
Sources
Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed December 18, 2025. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
