Telegram is creating its own internet: Durov plans to launch .gram domains
Durov announces the launch of .gram domains (photo: Unsplash)
Key features of the new domain zone
If the application is approved by ICANN, more than a billion Telegram users will gain access to second-level personal domains directly linked to their existing usernames.
The main new features include:
Personal web addresses: every public username could be used as a full-fledged domain (for example, the @durov account would have the address durov.gram);
One-click website creation: developers and regular users will be able to create interactive websites hosted directly on Telegram’s servers using a single command.
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Telegram has applied for the .gram domain zone (screenshot: Pavel Durov on Telegram)
The new feature could significantly simplify web-project deployment and expand the functionality of the messenger’s internal ecosystem.
Context and issues with external domains
The move to register its own domain most likely became relevant after the July incident involving the short t.me address.
At the time, the domain temporarily stopped opening in browsers worldwide after being blocked by Montenegrin company DomainME, which administers the .me domain zone, at the request of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
During the block, Telegram automatically switched link generation to the alternative telegram.me domain, and access to t.me was restored a day later.
The .gram domain zone would allow the messenger to avoid similar risks in the future.
