I think this was mostly just my personal slightly-paranoid aversion to political risk, but it always astounded me that someone was willing to use the Libyan TLD during the days of Gaddafi to build a link-shortening business.

> during the days of Gaddafi

Well, although a rather harsh dictatorship, Libya was at the time one (bit.ly was registered in 2008) of the more stable and prosperous countries of the region, and had been normalizing its international relations for some time. That was just after he had been received in France, erecting his tent on the lawn of the state guesthouse next to the French presidential palace.

I don't think many people expected the dramatical events that occurred soon after.

But it's true, I personally think one should never use the TLD of a dictatorship or unstable country for obvious ethical reasons and for future-proofing a business.

Yes, this is an excellent point. I guess I’m old enough where I primarily associate Gaddafi with “mercurial dictator” than the chaos after he was toppled. And 100% agree with your last paragraph.

Cool visualizations on your site, by the way.