.tf
Introduced | 1997 |
---|---|
TLD type | Country code top-level domain |
Status | Active |
Registry | AFNIC |
Sponsor | AFNIC |
Intended use | Entities connected with the French Southern and Antarctic Lands |
Actual use | Recently popular as an extension for sites related to the game Team Fortress and its sequel, Team Fortress 2. Otherwise, rarely used except for free, redirected third-level domains |
Structure | Registrations are made at second level; an unofficial service makes free, redirected domains available at third level |
Documents | ICANN redelegation resolution |
Website | nic.tf |
DNSSEC | yes |
.tf is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Along with .fr and .re, it is administered by AFNIC. Before October 23, 2004, Adamsnames, based in Cambridge, administered this TLD.
There is also an additional free service offering third-level .tf domains, under the name United Names Organisation. They occupy 14 second-level domains, including .eu.tf, .us.tf, .net.tf, and .edu.tf. They are run by the same company as smartdots.com, and are given away as URL redirections.
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands are territories either recognised as French or claimed but suspended under the Antarctic Treaty System France, and the domain name derives from the French, Terres australes et antarctiques françaises. Part of the French claim includes a section of the continent of Antarctica, creating an overlap between .tf and the general Antarctica domain .aq.