The end of .IO domains? Why tech companies using .IO domains should prepare for possible disruptions

The .IO domain has become the go-to extension for many tech companies, particularly among startups and developers. Over the years, it has gained significant popularity, with both emerging and established companies— including Google—choosing .io for their online presence.
Originally assigned to the British Indian Ocean Territory, the .IO domain has taken on a life of its own, far beyond its geographic roots. Its short, memorable structure and association with “input/output” in tech circles made it a favorite for innovative companies looking to stand out in the digital landscape.
From AI firms to SaaS platforms, .io has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology. However, recent political developments surrounding BIOT have cast a shadow over the future of this beloved domain, leaving many companies wondering if their online presence is at risk.
Earlier this week, there was growing buzz about the future of .io domains, with concerns they may be in jeopardy. But should tech startups really be worried? While the situation is complex, the short answer is that it’s possible, but far from certain.
What’s the Issue?
The .io domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) representing the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), a UK overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. Now, a recently finalized treaty by the UK could spell the end of the .io domain.
Last week, the British government announced its decision to cede control of the Chagos Islands, a territory in the Indian Ocean it has controlled since 1814, to Mauritius after years of pressure. With the British Indian Ocean Territory potentially ceasing to exist, some have speculated that .io domains could be at risk.
“The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland today confirm that they have reached an historic political agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Following two years of negotiation, this is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law,” the UK government said in a press release.
Typically, 2-letter ccTLDs are tied and governed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are the property of the country or region they represent. If ISO removes a country code, ICANN (the organization overseeing domains) may begin a five-year phase-out process for the top-level domain. This raises questions about the future of .io, especially for startups that rely heavily on this domain for their branding and online presence.
In a similar case, the .yu domain, representing Yugoslavia, was retired when the country no longer existed. However, ICANN allowed a three-year transition period for affected domain holders. While there is precedent for phasing out country-specific domains, not every ccTLD has followed the same path.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the long-term stability of .io domains, in 2008, DomainNameWire asked ICANN what would happen if the island nation of Tuvalu, threatened by rising sea levels, were to disappear. ICANN responded:
“The simple answer is if a country ceases to exist, under existing policy the domain will need to be retired. ICANN will permit a reasonable transition period so the affected parties can transition to other domains. In the most recent case, .YU (replaced with .RS and .ME), there was a 3-year transition period assigned by the ICANN Board.”
Tuvalu’s .tv country-code domain is another extension that has gained popularity with video platforms.
The Bigger Picture: ICANN’s Pragmatic Approach
Despite the uncertainty, there’s a more pragmatic side to the conversation. ICANN’s primary mission is the security and stability of the internet. Shutting down a highly popular top-level domain like .io, which is used by startups and large companies alike, could have wide-reaching effects. In line with ICANN’s goals, pulling .io could cause unnecessary disruption, especially given its widespread use in the tech and startup ecosystem.
Are The .io Domains About to Disappear?
In five instances, ICANN deleted a ccTLD – what does it mean for .io domains?

Credit: Michael Cyger
Legal Experts Weigh In
In a comment on DomainNameWire, a user by the name of John D. highlights the political undertones of the debate. He points out that the ongoing conflict over colonialism between the UK, Mauritius, and the Chagossians adds another layer of complexity. In his view, .io could be retired as a symbolic move to sever ties with the British colonial legacy.
“Everything swirling around the (.io) power struggle is soaked in a debate over colonialism. I’m betting (.io) is retired to bury that British history for Mauritius and the Chagossians. If I was a founder or VC board member of a startup sitting on (.io), I’d be very worried,” John said.
John D. also suggests that forward-thinking founders and venture capitalists should be wary. “Why would Western startups want to be culpable for funding digital colonialism?” he asks, emphasizing the importance of securing a .com domain as a backup to avoid being caught off guard. He argues that founders relying on .io should be worried, given the potential for .io to be retired amid the political struggle.
On the other hand, domain name attorney John Berryhill provides a different perspective. He points out that retiring a top-level domain isn’t the only potential outcome. Even if .io is handed over to Mauritius, the domain could be re-delegated rather than removed. In this case, the new manager might impose new rules or higher renewal fees for existing domain holders, as seen in the past with other ccTLDs.
“There are possibilities other than removing the TLD, however. If the TLD is kept alive, but re-delegated, then the new TLD manager can set new rules and/or refuse to renew existing domains,” Copyright attorney John Berryhill explained.
Berryhill cites the example of .la, the domain for Laos, which was repurposed to attract businesses targeting Los Angeles. During this re-launch, many existing .la domain holders were displaced. Although a complete shutdown is unlikely, Berryhill warns that new management could bring unexpected changes, making it crucial for startups to prepare for possible re-delegation scenarios.
What Could Happen Next?
There are a few scenarios that might unfold:
- Nothing Changes: ICANN could decide to keep the .io domain as is, maintaining its current structure without transferring control to Mauritius. In this case, domain holders wouldn’t be affected.
- Re-delegation to Mauritius: If control of .io is handed over to Mauritius, it’s possible the country could negotiate new terms with Identity Digital, the company currently managing the domain. Domain holders might see an increase in registration or renewal fees as a result.
- Retirement of .io: In the unlikely event that ICANN chooses to retire the .io domain, affected parties would likely be given a transition period to switch to other domains, similar to the process with .yu.
Should Tech Startups Be Worried?
Startups using .io domains should stay informed but don’t need to panic just yet. While the legal and political dynamics surrounding the .io domain are complicated, it’s unlikely ICANN would rush to retire such a widely used and important domain without allowing for a lengthy transition. That said, securing alternative domains like .com might be a smart move for forward-thinking companies, given the uncertainties ahead.
The debate over the future of .io reflects larger conversations about colonialism, domain ownership, and the stability of ccTLDs. Tech startups relying on .io should be prepared for changes, but with the right planning, they can navigate this challenge without significant disruption to their businesses.
For more insights into the potential future of .io domains, check out the article titled, “The Disappearance of an Internet Domain.”