Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) (Security)

Sponsored top-level domain (.gov / .edu / .mil).

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Impact

(ScanGov impact)

About

Generic top-level domains (gTLD) (.com, .org, etc.) are non-country extensions that indicate the purpose or source of the website.

sTLDs (.gov / .edu / .mil) are a subgroup of gTLDs managed by designated organizations and restricted to specific registrant types.

A .gov / .edu / .mil extension verifies that the website is managed by a United States government organization (federal, state, local). Government non-.gov gTLDs can potentially confuse users and create opportunities for non-government entities to spoof official government services. Adopting the .gov / .edu / .mil extension ensures users are visiting an official government website.

Why it's important

Defines trusted website categories, helping users identify official sites and improving credibility and security for specific organizations.

User stories

As a site visitor, I want to access government websites with a `.gov` domain so that I can be confident the site is official, secure, and trustworthy, providing accurate and authoritative government information.

Error

(ScanGov messaging when a site fails a standard)

Domain is not an official sTLD.

Examples

Example of government websites with a .gov sTLD:

• digital.gov
• whitehouse.gov

Guidance

• U.S. Federal Website Standards

Links

• .gov (Wikipedia)
• Get a .gov (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)
• Sponsored top-level domain (Wikipedia)

Indicators

• Security