AI Boom: Caribbean Island Anguilla Profits from Sale of National Domain Name | WPN World People News

As artificial intelligence technology rapidly rises, the Caribbean island of Anguilla has recently announced the sale of its national domain name, ".ai." This news has sparked significant interest from the global tech community, with many companies eager to participate.

The domain name has been assigned to Anguilla since the 1990s. Originally intended to represent websites related to specific regions or languages, it has gained popularity amidst the AI boom, attracting tech giants and startups alike, including Google and Elon Musk's Grok AI.

Despite Anguilla's small size of just 91 square kilometers and a population of approximately 16,000, with no dedicated AI industry, its economy largely relies on tourism. Many residents still live in relative poverty. Reports indicate that Anguilla's revenue from ".ai" domain registration surged to $32 million last year (around NT$1 billion), accounting for 20% of the government's total income. The government charges a renewal fee of $140 for two years and also earns additional revenue from new registrations and the sale of expired domains.

Market analysts believe that Anguilla's strategy not only enhances its visibility in the international market but may also inspire other small countries to leverage similar resources for economic gain. With the growing global demand for AI applications, the domain name trading market is becoming increasingly active, presenting new opportunities for small nations.