Telegram .gram domain plans could give more than one billion users access to web addresses if the application receives approval. Founder Pavel Durov announced that Telegram has applied for the new “.gram” top-level domain.
The filing follows disruption involving Telegram’s used “t.me” links. Durov said approval could allow users to create second-level domains such as “yourname.gram” and build Telegram-hosted websites with one prompt.
Telegram Seeks Approval for New .gram Domain
Telegram has submitted an application for the “.gram” top-level domain to ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Durov disclosed the filing in a post on X on Tuesday.
“If the application is approved by ICANN, a billion Telegram users could get their own second-level domains — yourname.gram,” Durov wrote. He added that users could create Telegram-hosted websites through a single prompt.
Telegram already has more than one billion monthly active users, a milestone reached in March last year. About half of those users open the application each day.
The platform provides bots, channels, and other services beyond direct messaging. However, the “.gram” application remains at an early stage and must be evaluated before approval is granted.
Recent t.me Disruption Adds Context
Telegram’s application comes after its “t.me” links stopped working for almost one day last month. The disruption occurred after the “.me” top-level domain was temporarily disabled by the registrar.
The registrar said the action was necessary to comply with requirements from the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Telegram uses “t.me” links to direct users toward accounts, channels, and other locations within the platform.
Domain Name Wire reported that one URL on the server allegedly directed traffic to an entity sanctioned by OFAC. The suspension disrupted Telegram’s links in July.
A “.gram” domain would place Telegram’s links under its own top-level domain if ICANN approves the application. The filing follows the service disruption and comes as Telegram continues operating across markets with legal requirements.
Telegram Faces Regulatory and Platform Disputes
Telegram and Durov have faced disputes with authorities in the European Union, France, Russia, and Ukraine. Officials have accused the platform of failing to moderate content or remove prohibited information under local laws.
Durov and Telegram have responded by criticizing state surveillance and political censorship. In Russia, the service has faced fines, outages, and traffic slowdowns since spring.
Earlier in August, Apple briefly removed Telegram from the App Store after pornographic content violating child sexual abuse material guidelines was identified. Telegram returned after deleting the content and banning the responsible account.
Durov and a company representative criticized Apple’s response, arguing that the decision disrupted communication for millions because of one user’s actions.
