Google launches ‘.app’ internet domain with advanced security features

App developers can use ‘.app’ internet domain as landing page for their apps and share trustworthy download links.

Users can also pay more to secure other domains before the general public can get. (AP)

Google has rolled out a new top-level domain (TLD) ".app" for app developers. The new internet domain comes with advanced security features such as HTTPS encryption. A TLD is the last part of a domain name, like .com in "www.google.com" or .google in "blog.google".

".app that comes with added security is the first top-level domain (TLD) to require HTTPS encryption," Google said in a blog post on Tuesday. "The big difference is that HTTPS is required to connect to all .app websites, helping protect against ad malware and tracking injection by ISPs, in addition to safeguarding against spying on open WiFi networks," Google said.

Till May 7, users can register ".app" domains through Google's "Early Access Programme." Users can also pay more to secure other domains before the general public can get to them, the search-engine giant confirmed.

Google is also encouraging app developers to use the .app domain for their products and services. The company says a web presence will help users to easily find and learn about their applications. Developers can also use the domain as a landing page to share "trustworthy download links, keep users up to date, and deep link to in-app content," said the company.

Google acquired the top-level domain (TLD) ".app" in 2015 for $25 million.