Freenom returns with paid model after Meta lawsuit

Freenom, the registry operator previously known for offering free domain registrations, has resumed selling domains under a paid model. The company, which managed several country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), had ceased operations following a 2024 legal settlement with Meta over cybersquatting allegations. Its return marks a shift away from the free domain model that contributed to its reputation for abuse and legal challenges.

What changed

Freenom’s website now lists domains for sale in three of its ccTLDs: .tk (Tokelau), .cf (Central African Republic), and .gq (Equatorial Guinea). Pricing starts at €8.22 per year, with some premium domains—such as football.tk—priced significantly higher. For example, whiskey.tk is listed at €1,739.13, while others, like vodka.tk, remain at the base price. The company no longer offers free registrations, a departure from its original model, which relied on monetizing expired or suspended domains through traffic redirection.

The registry previously managed five ccTLDs, including .ml (Mali) and .ga (Gabon). However, those two TLDs were transferred to new operators in 2023, with .ga moving to Afnic and .ml brought in-house by Mali’s government. While reports suggested Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic had also severed ties with Freenom, the company’s website continues to offer domains in .gq and .cf, indicating those relationships remain intact.

Legal and operational fallout

Meta’s 2023 lawsuit accused Freenom of enabling cybersquatting by allowing abusive registrations, including domains mimicking Facebook and other brands. The case was settled in 2024, with Freenom agreeing to cease domain operations and transfer its generic top-level domain (gTLD) registrations to Gandi. The settlement also resulted in the loss of Freenom’s ICANN registrar accreditation, limiting its ability to sell domains outside its own ccTLDs.

The shift away from free domains is expected to reduce abuse, as paid registrations typically involve stricter oversight. However, the company’s return raises questions about its ability to rebuild trust with registrars and end users. The availability of previously registered domains—including some with high-value keywords—suggests Freenom is targeting a fresh start, though its reputation for abuse may linger.

Industry implications

Freenom’s relaunch highlights the challenges of balancing accessibility with abuse prevention in the domain industry. Its original free model, while popular, contributed to a surge in malicious activity, including phishing and spam. The new paid structure aligns with industry norms but may limit the company’s appeal to cost-sensitive users. For registrars and security teams, the return of Freenom’s TLDs could mean renewed monitoring efforts to prevent abuse, particularly if the company’s enforcement practices remain unclear.

The situation also underscores the broader issue of ccTLD governance. While some countries, like Mali and Gabon, have moved their TLDs to new operators, others continue to rely on third-party providers like Freenom. This dynamic can create inconsistencies in policy enforcement and abuse mitigation across different TLDs.