A United States company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Anguilla to manage the sale of .ai domains for five years.
Identity Digital aims to use its global registry management system to help reduce cybersecurity risks and protect the coveted domain suffix’s reputation.
Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Minster of Sustainability, Innovation and Environment, said the agreement, which came after a two year public procurement process, marks an “exciting new chapter”.
“The .ai domain, recognised worldwide as a symbol of artificial intelligence, carries tremendous value beyond its digital identity,” she said during the signing of the agreement on 15 October.
“It represents an opportunity for Anguilla to leverage its global brand to generate significant revenue, which can then be reinvested into our communities.”
She said the new partnership is about building capacity and equipping Anguillians with the knowledge and skills to manage and grow the .ai domains sustainably.
“We are laying the groundwork for Anguilla to emerge as a leader in the global AI ecosystem – one that is not just a participant in the global digital economy, but a driver of innovation and progress,” she said.
‘A global leader’
Identity Digital has the world’s largest portfolio of domain suffixes and manages the domains of countries or territories around the world, including Belize, Antigua, St Lucia and St Vincent.
Now it will also be responsible for the .ai domains, which have grown exponentially over the past few years, with about half a million registrations to date.
CEO Akram Atallah said the company’s aim is to enhance the sustainability, resilience and security of the .ai domains as the digital world increasingly embraces artificial intelligence.
“Such amazing growth demands careful nurturing to ensure seamless connectivity,” he told attendees at the former National Bank of Anguilla building, adding that the .ai domain is more than just a digital asset.
“Individuals worldwide depend upon companies powered by .ai to solve problems, cure diseases and streamline economies,” he said.
Atallah explained that Identity Digital’s network of partners will further expand the availability of .ai and improve the convenience and speed of registration.
He thanked the government for its vision and promised to position the .ai domain as a global leader.
Knowledge transfer
Premier Ellis Webster said the .ai domain suffix is more than just a web address, but a national asset, a bridge to the future for Anguilla’s economy, and a symbol of the island’s commitment to innovation.
“This new partnership with Identity Digital will take the management of this domain to the next level, ensuring that its benefits extend directly to the people of Anguilla,” he said.
He said one of the most exciting aspects of the partnership is the company’s commitment to capacity building and knowledge transfer.
“Identity Digital will work closely with our local teams to provide the training and expertise needed to manage the .ai domain,” the premier continued.
“Effectively, this means that Anguillians will gain the skills and experience necessary to not only maintain the domain, but also to innovate and lead in the digital space.”
Webster said Identity Digital will charge a small percentage of the domain registration costs for the company’s services, but he did not provide further details.
The use of .ai domains generated 20 percent of the government’s total revenue in 2023.
Watch the signing in full below:
