Human-Centered Computing Foundation launches campaign for .self, a top-level domain for ethical self-hosted web services

The Human-Centered Computing Foundation is seeking to secure .self as a new top-level domain focused on ethical, human-centered technology. The group says the domain would support an alternative web architecture that reduces dependence on data-extractive platforms.

The proposal reflects growing interest in digital sovereignty and self-hosted infrastructure as users and developers push back against centralized web platforms. If approved, .self could become a branding and discovery layer for privacy-focused services, though adoption would depend on tooling, governance, and community trust.