Next in line for launch in the new-gTLD programme is the .locker domain-name extension. It will enter its Sunrise period on the 19th June 2024, before going into Early Access on the 18th September 2024 (when domains can be secured at a premium price) and subsequently into General Availability on the 26th September 2024. The extension was originally owned by telecommunications company Dish DBS, before being acquired by Orange Domains in August 2023[1], with the intention of use in conjunction with digital locker services (including both electronic file and physical storage)[2]^,[3].

Like some previous examples – such as .box[4] – the new .locker extension promises to provide dual Web2 / Web3 functionality[5]. This is achieved by it offering integrated support for the Bitcoin protocol, meaning that it will be compatible with applications such as cryptocurrency wallets. The Web3 ‘digital identity’ will be reserved for holders of the corresponding Web2 domain name, but its use will not be compulsory[6].

Currently the .locker zone file contains just a handful of entries[7], comprising reserved domain names relevant to the technical infrastructure of the TLD[8]. However, we would expect the numbers to start ramping up once the Sunrise period opens and brand owners are able to start securing domains, before likely jumping up once again once registrations become generally available to all.

Similarly to .zip, the new extension may be attractive to infringers because of the potential for abuse due to the possibility for confusion with legitimate file-storage solutions. It may also transpire that the TLD will be popular with piracy-related applications, in reference to the old ‘cyberlocker’ terminology[9] (cf. the potential for the shortly-available .ad extension to be abused for advertising fraud[10]).

In light of this development, brand owners are advised to secure key brand terms and/or keyword strings across the new extension, as soon as purchase is possible – even if only as defensive registrations to prevent fraudulent use. Additionally – as with any emerging area of Internet content – ongoing monitoring of the space will also be advisable, in order to stay one step ahead of the infringers.

[1] https://domainnamewire.com/2023/08/28/realty-and-locker-top-level-domains-change-hands/

[2] https://iptwins.com/fr/2024/05/29/lancement-du-locker-avec-support-du-protocole-bitcoin/

[3] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iptwins_lancement-du-locker-avec-support-du-protocole-activity-7203025215935627264--s0l/

[4] https://www.iamstobbs.com/opinion/un-.zip-ping-and-un-.box-ing-the-risks-associated-with-new-tlds

[5] https://www.iamstobbs.com/opinion/the-crossover-two-recent-developments-in-web2/web3-interaction

[6] https://comlaude.com/launch-of-locker-ssl-price-increase-tr-launch-update-tmch-price-increase/

[7] 6as2tersqsgcku63tqcsfkl0baarlvou.locker, amh1aepsfk05e2eeamgjtkop5nrleb70.locker, gjqec5q3vb7n7qa543edh7v2cckpro03.locker, my.locker, nic.locker, registry.locker

[8] https://ntldstats.com/tld/locker

[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File-hosting_service

[10] https://www.iamstobbs.com/opinion/a-new-tld-to-.ad-to-the-collection