HCCF Seeks .self Domain as Public Digital Identity Utility

Online identity remains largely tied to platform-controlled accounts and centralized databases, limiting users’ ability to move credentials, control personal information or influence governance. Nonprofit HCCF is seeking the new generic top-level domain .self as public digital infrastructure, envisioning individually held domains that could serve as portable identities across services. The initiative pairs personal data ownership with decentralized governance intended to reduce dependence on any single technology platform.

HCCF has secured eligibility for ICANN’s Applicant Support Program as it pursues the .self string. The designation can provide financial and professional assistance with the application, but does not constitute approval of the domain. HCCF says that, if launched, the project would offer one free subdomain to each person and allow individuals to retain full ownership of their data. As of Aug. 6, 2026, no approval or activation date had been announced.