Why does Lemmy have a Malian domain?

ag_roberston_author@beehaw.org to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 3 points –

Just wondering why lemmy is on a .ml domain. (Which is Mali) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.ml

3

There could be many reasons

  • ml could be an acronym for something
  • it could be a result of a trend for non profit social networks to use .ml
  • ml is a less used domain. so it could be a cost saving measure as .ml is a completly free, low barrier to entry top level domain. (TLD) - the Malinian government gives away the domains for free, with restrictions. and you can essentially remove most restrictions by paying a small fee, so its a very low to no cost solution.
  • quite often - .net, .org, .com all have restrictions over who can buy a domain, and what for. As they are more "premium" top level domains.

I know here in Australia if you want to get a .com.au address you have to have an Australian business number or be registered as a not-for profit in australia (same for .org.au and .net.au, with variations on the restrictions) . I know that .org also has similar restrictions - you essentially have to prove you're an organization in your respective country.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.ml