2025 — a jubilee and strategic year

The year 2025 became a landmark and historic stage in the development of the national .UZ domain zone.
This year, the .UZ domain turned 30 years old, symbolizing three decades of sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s national Internet segment, its integration into the global network, and continuous technological modernization.

The jubilee year coincided with a period of active digital transformation, implementation of blockchain technologies, artificial intelligence, large-scale transition to IPv6, DNSSEC automation, and expansion of international cooperation.

Thus, 2025 became not only a date for summing up results, but also a transition point of the .UZ domain zone to a new technological model of management and development.

The .UZ domain zone was delegated in 1995 and since then has become one of the key elements of the digital sovereignty and Internet infrastructure of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Over three decades of its development, the .UZ zone has gone through several successive stages reflecting the evolution of the national Internet segment.

At the initial stage, a basic DNS environment was formed, ensuring stable operation of the domain system. In subsequent years, the registration infrastructure was developed, modern information security standards were introduced, interaction with international Internet organizations was expanded, and a transition to automated and intelligent domain zone management systems was carried out.

The jubilee year 2025 became a starting point for rethinking the role of the national .UZ domain zone — from an exclusively technical resource to a full-fledged digital ecosystem focused on ensuring transparency, security, resilience, and innovative development.

One of the key achievements of 2025 was the active development and practical implementation of the Token.uz platform, which combined blockchain technologies and domain name management. The platform received an official certificate of software product registration, which confirmed its uniqueness, originality of architectural solutions, and innovative nature.

Token.uz became the core of the digital transformation of the .UZ domain zone, ensuring reliable storage and verification of data in a distributed blockchain network.

Domain Name Auction

In 2025, the structure of the domain auction was significantly optimized in order to increase the transparency of procedures and user convenience. The updated model made it possible to simplify participation in auctions, ensure clear classification of domain names, and increase trust in the auction mechanism.

Within the framework of the new structure, three main categories of domain names were identified:

• two-character domains;
• three-character domains;
• Premium domains — domain names with high marketing and commercial value.

The updated auction became the first mechanism in national practice that combined automated sale of released domain names, sale of Premium domains, as well as the use of blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies in auction procedures. The use of these technologies ensured data immutability, transparency of auctions, and intelligent processing of auction processes.

According to the results of 2025, more than 600 domain names were sold through the auction, which confirms the high level of user interest and the effectiveness of the updated model. The funds received were partially allocated to financing social projects.

DNS Security and Automation

In 2025, the .UZ domain zone implemented a system for automatic publication of DS records using the CDS mechanism, which significantly simplified the process of applying DNSSEC for domain name administrators. The innovation made it possible to move from manual operations to automated and more reliable interaction between domain levels.

Within the framework of the new model, domain administrators publish CDS records on their own DNS servers, after which the parent .UZ zone automatically synchronizes and updates the corresponding data. This approach ensured the correctness and timely updating of DS records without additional intervention.

The implementation of automatic publication of DS records increased the overall level of information security, reduced operational and human risks, and also strengthened the resilience and reliability of the national DNS infrastructure of the .UZ domain zone.


 

IPv6 and Infrastructure Expansion

The jubilee year 2025 was marked by the active implementation of the IPv6 protocol, which is considered a key technological foundation for the development of the Internet in the coming decades. The development of IPv6 support became one of the priority areas for modernization of the infrastructure of the .UZ domain zone.

Throughout the year, IPv6 support was ensured on all newly deployed DNS servers, and measures were also implemented to actively promote it among registrars. The experience of implementing IPv6 in the national .UZ domain zone was presented at international industry platforms, including the CAPIF forum, which contributed to strengthening international cooperation and the exchange of practices.

Within the framework of a Memorandum of Cooperation, a new DNS server of the .UZ domain zone was deployed in the Republic of Kazakhstan with simultaneous support for the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. This made it possible to increase the geographical distribution of the infrastructure and ensure service availability for users in the region.

The deployment of additional DNS nodes and the development of IPv6 support increased the fault tolerance of the .UZ domain zone, improved service availability in the countries of Central Asia, and contributed to strengthening regional partnership.

International Cooperation and Recognition

In 2025, the .UZ Domain Administration actively participated in key international and regional events dedicated to the development of the domain industry, DNS security, and digital innovations. Participation in specialized forums became an important part of the international positioning of the national domain zone and the exchange of best practices.

Within the framework of ICANN 82 (Seattle, USA), representatives of the .UZ domain zone took part in discussions on the prospects for the development of next-generation DNS, automation of domain services, and increasing their value for end users. At ICANN 84 (Dublin, Ireland), the main focus was placed on preparation for the new New gTLD round, cybersecurity issues, and countering abuses in the DNS system.

At the regional conferences APTLD 87 (Hong Kong) and APTLD 88 (Belgrade, Serbia), practical experience in implementing blockchain-based domain name auctions of .UZ, DNSSEC automation, was presented, and issues related to the implementation of RDAP and increasing data transparency in national domain zones were discussed. The presented solutions generated significant interest among the ccTLD operators community.

During the TLDCON 2025 conference (Kaliningrad, Russia), the .UZ Domain Administration presented a report on the launch of the national domain name auction and officially announced the hosting of TLDCON 2026 in Uzbekistan, which became an important step in strengthening international cooperation.

The Token.uz project was presented at the international exhibition Seamless Middle East 2025 (Dubai, UAE) as an innovative solution for integrating blockchain technologies into the management of domain auctions. At the CAPIF 4 forum (Almaty, Kazakhstan), the results of IPv6 implementation and plans for the development of national and regional Internet infrastructure were demonstrated.

In 2025, the UZINFOCOM team also achieved significant success in the field of digital innovations and transparency. Within the framework of the Anti-Corruption Hackathon in Uzbekistan, the team took first place by presenting a blockchain solution to prevent conflicts of interest in public procurement. At the international Coding4Integrity initiative (Hong Kong), blockchain solutions of the Token.uz platform aimed at increasing transparency and trust in digital services were presented.

Throughout the year, active cooperation with ICANN and ccNSO continued on issues of enhancing DNS security, developing IPv6, and discussing prospects for the deployment of the L-Root server in Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of international activities, special attention was paid to the development of blockchain-based domain name auctions, DNSSEC automation, IPv6 implementation, and strengthening the role of Uzbekistan in the global Internet infrastructure.

Education and Capacity Building

RIPE NCC Training Week in Tashkent

In April 2025, with joint organization together with RIPE NCC, a series of training events was held in Tashkent dedicated to IPv6 security, the BGP protocol, and RIPE database management. The trainings were attended by system administrators, network engineers, and cybersecurity specialists from various organizations in Uzbekistan. The conducted events contributed to increasing the level of professional expertise and the development of technical competencies in the country.

Blockchain Hackathon 2025

In April 2025, UZINFOCOM organized a large-scale Blockchain Hackathon, bringing together 15 teams from across the republic. Based on the results of the event, the teams RAKUN AI, SYLNVIN, and SNRG Namangan became the winners, and the best projects on the integration of blockchain technologies were recommended for pilot implementation.

The implementation of these initiatives is aimed at the development of Internet literacy, the formation of a personnel reserve, and the active involvement of young specialists of Uzbekistan in Internet governance processes at regional and global levels.

Communications and Information Services

The official Telegram channel @cctld and the information sections on the website cctld.uz became key communication channels with the professional community and users of the .UZ domain zone. On these platforms, operational news, analytical materials, as well as reports and reviews of international events were regularly published, ensuring timely information delivery, openness, and transparency of the activities of the .UZ Domain Administration.

Statistics of 2025

• 30 years of the .UZ domain
• The total number of domain names in the .UZ zone reached 144,000
• 57,100 new domains
• Growth amounted to 6.2%
• More than 900 NFT certificates
• More than 600 domain names sold at the domain name auction
• The number of DNSSEC-protected domains increased from 131 to 212 (growth of 62%)
• IPv6 — Available!

Conclusion

The year 2025 became a jubilee, strategic, and truly breakthrough stage in the development of the .UZ domain zone. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the national domain zone not only summed up the results of its many years of development, but also clearly demonstrated its readiness for new challenges of the digital era.

During the year, key technological initiatives were implemented, including the introduction of blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies, DNSSEC automation, active development of IPv6, expansion of DNS infrastructure, as well as the signing of international memorandums of cooperation. These steps brought the .UZ domain zone to a qualitatively new level of technological maturity and resilience.

International recognition, participation in leading industry forums, and the development of educational initiatives confirmed the status of Uzbekistan as an active and technologically mature participant in the global Internet industry.

The jubilee year 2025 became a starting point for the formation of a long-term strategy for the development of the .UZ domain zone, based on the principles of security, transparency, resilience, and innovation. Thirty years ago, the .UZ domain zone became Uzbekistan’s first step into the global Internet space. Today, it serves as a reliable, modern, and competitive foundation for the country’s digital development, oriented toward sustainable growth and technological leadership in the future.

For Reference

The .UZ Domain Administration takes measures to decentralize and improve the quality of services for the registration and support of domain names, and carries out large-scale work to stimulate the creation and development of information resources in the national segment of the Internet.

The registration, administration, and use of domain names in the .UZ domain are regulated by the “Regulation on the Procedure for Registration and Use of Domain Names in the .UZ Domain”, registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan under No. 1830. This document establishes the procedure for registration and use of domain names in the .UZ domain, and also regulates relations between persons whose activities directly affect domain names in the .UZ domain, ensures reliable protection against unlawful actions, and effective regulation of the .UZ domain.

The main focus of the .UZ Domain Administration is the technical maintenance of DNS servers of the .UZ domain, located at various points on provider networks, including abroad, to ensure high-quality resolution of .UZ domain names, maintenance of services for convenient control of domain name registration periods, creation of a competitive environment in the market and improvement of the quality of domain name registration services, as well as interaction with international organizations such as ICANN, IANA, APTLD, RIPE NCC, and others on issues of domain name policies and activities within the global community.

The .UZ Domain Administration sincerely thanks partners and all participants for their active cooperation and significant contribution to the development of the national segment of the Internet. We congratulate you on the upcoming year 2026 and wish stable development, implementation of new initiatives, professional success, and further joint achievements for the benefit of the digital future.