Overview
The Office of Council Member Yusef Salaam is currently reviewing the use of non-“.gov” domain names by City agencies for their public-facing websites. This review considers whether New York City should adopt a more consistent standard for domain usage to enhance public trust and digital security in official online communications.
Rationale for Review
- Public Trust and Clarity
Domains ending in “.gov” are reserved exclusively for government entities and undergo a strict verification process. Their use signals to the public that a website is an official government source, reducing confusion and reinforcing institutional credibility. - Cybersecurity and Risk Mitigation
Non-“.gov” domains may be more susceptible to misuse or impersonation by unauthorized actors. The use of “.gov” domains helps mitigate risks such as phishing, spoofing, and unauthorized data collection. - Security Standards
The “.gov” domain includes built-in support for stronger security protocols. These protocols help ensure the integrity and confidentiality of online interactions between the public and city services.
Current Status
This matter remains under study. Council Member Salaam is evaluating potential legislative or administrative approaches to encourage or require the use of “.gov” domains across all city agency websites, where technically feasible and legally appropriate.