What Is SIDN? The .nl Domain Registry Explained

The Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland (SIDN, the Dutch foundation for internet domain registration) plays a crucial role in managing and securing the Dutch internet. Since its founding in 1996, SIDN has managed all .nl domain names and ensures a stable and secure internet infrastructure. But what exactly does SIDN do, how did it come about and why is it so important?

The history and origins of SIDN

How it started: the need for domain registration

In the early years of the internet, there were no domain names as we know them today. Websites could only be reached through long IP addresses. This changed with the introduction of the Domain Name System (DNS), which let users find websites easily through recognizable names.

The founder of the .nl domain, Piet Beertema, worked at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) and applied for the .nl domain in 1986. This made the Netherlands the first country outside the US with its own country code domain.

The founding of SIDN in 1996

Because of the growing demand for .nl domain names, managing this on its own became too much for the CWI. That is why SIDN was founded in 1996 by Beertema, Ted Lindgreen and Boudewijn Nederkoorn. From that moment on, SIDN took over the registration and management of the .nl domain.

Explosive growth of the .nl domain

In the early years, only companies and organizations could register a .nl domain name. This changed in 2003, when private individuals could also claim a .nl domain. As a result, the number of registered domains grew explosively, from 1 million in 2003 to more than 6 million in 2020. Today, .nl is one of the largest and most secure country code domains in the world.

What does SIDN do today?

Management and security of .nl domains

SIDN makes sure that .nl domain names are registered correctly and always remain reachable. This is done through a stable DNS system, in which SIDN updates the data several times a day. Since 2010, .nl domains have been extra secured with DNSSEC, a technology that helps against cyberattacks such as phishing.

Innovation and internet security

In addition to domain registration, SIDN works toward a safer internet by doing research through SIDN Labs. This research institute develops new technologies to fight cybercrime and improve the internet infrastructure.

Another initiative is the SIDN Fonds (SIDN Fund), which finances projects that contribute to a stronger and safer internet.

Services beyond .nl

SIDN not only manages .nl domains but also provides services for other domains such as .amsterdam and .aw (Aruba). In addition, SIDN works with international organizations such as ICANN and RIPE NCC to improve internet standards.

Frequently asked questions about SIDN

1. Can I register a domain name directly with SIDN?

No, SIDN itself does not register domain names for end users. This is done through affiliated registrars, such as hosting companies and domain providers.

2. How many .nl domain names are registered?

At the moment, more than 6 million .nl domain names are registered, which makes .nl one of the largest country code domains in the world.

3. How does SIDN contribute to internet security?

SIDN invests in technologies such as DNSSEC and supports projects focused on cybersecurity, such as the SIDN Fonds and SIDN Labs.

SIDN is indispensable for the Dutch internet. From managing millions of domain names to improving internet security, SIDN plays a key role in the digital infrastructure. Thanks to its efforts, .nl is not only one of the largest but also one of the most secure domains in the world.

Want to register a .nl domain name? Go to our register a domain name page, run a domain name check and see whether it is available.