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.free (dotFree) is a proposed new top level domain (TLD). It is a Sponsored top-level domain intended to be a free top level domain. According to the dotFree Group s.r.o. organization .free will allow every individual to register free domain names under .free [1] Along with TLDs such as .travel, .asia and .eu, .free and other proposed TLDs fall into the new category of GeoTLDs. The issue of new top level domains in general has been discussed at various ICANN-Meetings since 2005. A rationale offered by proponents of the .free proposal is as follows: The initiative for the top-level domain .free is supported by a multitude of companies and individuals and is the first initiative for top-level domains which will be 100% free. The .free top-level domain will give people from all over the world the chance to own their free top-level domain and offers companies the chance to market their products with the .free domain extension. The .free community is run by the dotFree Group s.r.o. a Czech start-up company, but also of supporters spread around the world and of people who support the idea of freedom.[2]
Conflicting use in alternative DNS Roots A .free TLD is currently in operation by the OpenNIC alternative DNS root project to "provide namespace, certificate authority, and other services to encourage the non-commercial use of the internet." Controversy Microsoft has accused dotFREE Group SRO of running the Kelihos botnet that Microsoft shut down on 9/28/11.[3] Microsoft has reached a settlement with defendants Dominique Alexander Piatti and his company, dotFREE Group SRO the 26.October 2011, and dismissed the lawsuit against them pursuant to the agreement. Mr. Piatti and dotFree Group will continue to work with Microsoft to become a role model for the free domain industry, establishing industry best practices in the domain space.[4] References External links cs:.free fa:.free fi:.free
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