For the American people, the use of the .gov domain is a critical indicator that they are accessing official information, services, and communications. When .gov domains are used for websites, people have greater confidence that the information on those sites is authoritative and trustworthy. When .gov domains are used for email, people have greater confidence that the contents of that email are safe and secure. As a result, the .gov domain contributes to increased public trust in online government information and services, as well as safer operations and communications among all branches and levels of government. 

In Registration and Use of .gov Domains in the Federal Government (M-23-10) and reiterated in Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience (M-23-22), it was stated that "Agencies generally must use a .gov or .mil domain name for public-facing websites and digital services that are used for official communication."

Until further notice, no non-.gov domains should be created by DOE employees or their support contractors.