discuss Why don't Chinese end users use the .io suffix?

[DDD.COM]

Recently, I was discussing with colleagues from our Chinese branch, and I mentioned that the .io extension is actively traded on many Western domain trading platforms, and many tech, NFT, and token-related companies use .io domain names. However, when I researched further, it seems that .io is not used by any companies in China.

They analyzed several reasons for this:

1. Low acceptance of non-.com domains by Chinese internet users
   In the eyes of Chinese internet users, they still prefer the .com suffix. They believe that other suffixes may be associated with illegal websites, such as those related to pornography, gambling, pirated movies, and internet scams (which are all considered illegal in China). Therefore, internet users intentionally avoid using them.
2. China does not support .io for ICP (Internet Content Provider) registration
   Since March 20, 2005, obtaining an ICP license is necessary to operate a website in China, and currently, many domain suffixes are supported. However, since January 1, 2018, .io and some other ccTLDs cannot obtain ICP licenses in China. Therefore, this domain extension holds little significance for Chinese companies.
3. Chinese domain investors prefer domain suffixes that meet business demands
   They told me that Chinese domain investors aim to sell their domains to end users. Apart from specific types, Chinese domain investors prefer domain names that have a high chance of being purchased at a high price by end users. .io does not fit this criterion.
4. Does this mean that .io has no market in China?

Not entirely! They informed me that some Chinese domain investors are seeking good .io domain names recently. Although I am unsure of their purpose (Chinese domain investors strictly maintain confidentiality regarding the use of purchased domains, so many transactions cannot be publicly disclosed, especially the prices), .io does have a market in China. However, it is relatively less popular compared to other domain extensions.

Furthermore, they mentioned that domain extensions such as .vip, .tv, .cc, .co, and .shop, which can be registered with an ICP license in China, have certain market demand. They also shared with me a document titled "China Internet Domain System," which provides detailed information on domain extensions that can be registered with an ICP license in China.

Attachment: [China Internet Domain System]

 

[yangfajun]

Chinese people or Chinese companies can register any domain name, but .io domain names cannot purchase or use servers in mainland China! Note: Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are not included.

 

[Pavlentiy]

This is so strange. I had no idea. There are so many new web3 business who use .io tlds, I wonder if any of them knew the aforementioned.

 

[homebuyer]

Tech companies in China typically do not use .io domains for several reasons:

1. **Regulatory Restrictions**: China has strict regulations governing internet usage and domain registrations. The Chinese government tightly controls the internet within its borders and may have restrictions or limitations on the use of certain domain extensions, including country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .io.

2. **Preference for Local Domains**: Chinese tech companies often prefer to use domain extensions that are more familiar and relevant to their local audience. Domains with the .cn extension, which is the country code top-level domain for China, are commonly used by businesses in China to establish their online presence and cater to domestic users.

3. **Cultural and Linguistic Considerations**: Chinese tech companies may prioritize domain names that resonate with their target audience and reflect their brand identity in Chinese characters. Using a .io domain, which may not have the same cultural significance or recognition in China, could potentially create confusion or be less appealing to Chinese consumers.

4. **Technical Limitations**: Access to and registration of certain domain extensions, including .io, may be more challenging or restricted in China due to technical or administrative reasons. This could deter Chinese tech companies from using .io domains for their websites or online platforms.

Overall, the combination of regulatory constraints, cultural preferences, and technical considerations likely contributes to the limited use of .io domains by tech companies in China. Instead, businesses in China tend to opt for locally relevant domain extensions and online strategies that align with the unique characteristics of the Chinese internet landscape.

 

[DNSSEC]

The number of websites in China's computer Internet may be decreasing, and some enterprises even use apps instead of websites. Mobile Internet is growing in China. They prefer .com or .cn.