Google acquires .app web domain for $25m

Internet giant Google has purchased the website domain .app in an auction held by the organisation which oversees the running of the net. Google’s winning bid was $25,001,000 (£16,234,000) and is so far highest.

ICANN is rolling out new customised web names and auctioning them off, other web address endings sold so far include .baby, .tech, .salon and .VIP.

Google says its plan is that the domain will be used by developers of apps.

The  gTLD will provide application developers with the ability to customise domain and website name application offerings to signal to the general population of internet users that .app websites are indeed related to applications and application developers,” the firm writes.

“This specialisation makes it clear to internet users that this is the authoritative and designated space where they can find applications and information about developers accessible via differentiated and streamlined web addresses.”

A firm called Dot Tech LLC bought .tech for $6,760,000.

The event however has been marred by complaints. Last year, the French wine industry expressed concern over the creation of gTLDs .wine and .vin which it argued could affect existing trade agreements for regional products like champagne.

Via BBC