Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD)
Sponsored top-level domain (.gov / .edu / .mil).
Listen
A podcast overview related to Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) made with Google NotebookLM.
Impact
(How ScanGov measures tasklist priorities.)
Why it's important
An official domain (.gov / .edu / .mil) increases trustworthiness and credibility, as it's typically reserved for governmental 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.
Guidance
All government websites must have a .gov / .edu / .mil sponsored top-level domain.
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.
Examples
Example of government websites with a .gov sTLD:
Links
- .gov (Wikipedia)
- Get a .gov (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)
- Sponsored top-level domain (Wikipedia)