Tokelau, a set of three remote atolls in the Pacific Ocean, was historically isolated, not gaining telephone access until 1997. In 2000, an internet entrepreneur from Amsterdam, Joost Zuurbier, proposed to manage Tokelau’s country-code top-level domain (ccTLD)—the .tk domain—in exchange for financial compensation. This offer marked a significant turning point for the islands.
In the years that followed, Tokelau became prominent online, boasting the highest number of users for any country’s domain at 25 million. However, this surge was largely attributed to its association with spam, phishing, and cybercrime activities, leading to concerns about the territory’s global reputation and credibility.
Currently, Tokelau is facing challenges in addressing the misuse of its .tk domain. Efforts are underway to clean up the domain and restore its international standing, which, according to officials, may be crucial for maintaining their sovereignty.
The situation presents a complex scenario, raising questions about the unintended consequences of digital globalization for isolated regions and their governance. As Tokelau strives to balance its newfound internet presence with the need for legitimacy, the long-term impacts on its social and economic landscape remain to be seen.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/08/29/1122843/the-download-humans-in-space-and-indias-thorium-ambitions/