How A Tiny Caribbean Island Hit The Digital Jackpot with AI

The artificial intelligence boom has transformed industries, fueled innovation, and created fortunes for tech giants like Elon Musk’s xAI and Meta’s AI division. But few expected that a small Caribbean island would also cash in on the frenzy. Anguilla, a British overseas territory, has raked in over $32 million thanks to its unique internet domain: “.ai.”

In 1995, Anguilla was assigned the “.ai” country code by ICANN, the organization responsible for managing internet domain names. Fast forward to today, and the island is reaping the benefits as companies scramble to secure “.ai” domains to establish their presence in the AI space. From Google’s google.ai to Elon Musk’s x.ai, businesses are paying between $150 to $200 register these domains, generating millions in revenue for Anguilla.

This unexpected windfall has become a lifeline for the island, which relies heavily on tourism and offshore banking. The $32 million earned last year accounts for about 20% of the government’s revenue, up from just 5% before the AI boom. The money is being used to fund critical projects, including airport expansion, free healthcare for seniors, and vocational training centers. While the island’s Premier, Ellis Webster, acknowledges the revenue boost, he cautions against relying solely on it, noting the unpredictable nature of trends in the tech world.

As the demand for “.ai” domains continues to soar, Anguilla is partnering with U.S.-based Identity Digital to manage the growing registry. This move aims to improve security, resilience, and accessibility for users worldwide. With over 533,000 “.ai” domains registered so far, the future looks bright for this tiny island, proving that even in the age of AI, luck and location can still play a big role.

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