Anguilla has cemented its place at the heart of the global tech economy, officially surpassing one million registered .ai domain users.

The government announced the historic achievement on Tuesday, January 20, marking a turning point for the island’s digital and physical infrastructure. Driven by a global explosion in artificial intelligence, the .ai extension has become the premier digital home for more than one million entities, from Fortune 500 giants to emerging startups.

For the people of Anguilla, the impact is more than just digital. Revenue from domain registrations is being funnelled directly into national development projects. These include the expansion of airports and roads, tax relief for local citizens, and enhanced health services for both the youth and the elderly.

“This milestone is about far more than domain registrations,” said Premier Cora Richardson Hodge.

Jose Vanterpool, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Tourism and Education Services, noted that the domain’s success has allowed the island to invest in the future.

“The success of .ai has enabled Anguilla to invest in critical infrastructure that will serve our people for generations, while connecting our island to the future of global technology,” Vanterpool said.

The registry services are managed by Identity Digital, whose Chief Executive Officer, Akram Atallah, said the company is thrilled to support the island’s growth.

“Identity Digital is committed to providing best-in-class safety, security, and support for the .ai domain and is thrilled to be part of its growth story,” Atallah said. “Equally rewarding is seeing how .ai’s success is directly contributing to Anguilla’s economy and the wellbeing of its people.”

Government officials stated that reaching the one-million mark is a cause for global celebration and a testament to the island’s forward-thinking leadership. 

With growth expected to continue, the government pledged to maintain responsible management of the domain for the benefit of both Anguilla and the international technology community.