The Top-Level Domain (TLD) “.author” is a proposed generic Top-Level Domain in ICANN’s New gTLD Program (Generic Top-Level Domains), however, as of this time it has not been officially implemented or available for use. TLDs are part of the Domain Name System (DNS) used to organize and identify domains on the internet. The DNS, as described in detail in RFC 1034 and 1035 published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), is the system that transforms human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other.
In the hierarchical structure of the DNS, the “.author” part of a domain name would be considered a TLD. For example, in the domain name “www.example.author”, “.author” is the TLD, “example” is the second-level domain, and “www” is the third-level domain or subdomain.
However, at this stage, “.author” is not one of the currently available TLDs in use on the public internet. This potential TLD might be beneficial for authors’ official websites, providing a distinct, professional presence online.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization charged with managing the DNS, opened up applications for new custom TLDs in 2012 via the New gTLD Program. The aim was to enhance competition, innovation, and consumer choice. Under the New gTLD Program, parties could apply to create and manage their TLD, with applicants ranging from internet corporations to geographic locations, industries, and more.
Despite the opening of the custom TLDs to applications, the process through which they are accepted and implemented is relatively complex and lengthy. Applications are subjected to extensive review for their technical, financial, and operational capability to run a TLD registry. They are scored in a variety of areas such as DNSSEC implementation, IPv6 support, syntax and semantics checks, and WHOIS services to name a few based on “Applicant Guidebook” provided by ICANN.
The last official information from ICANN regarding any potential “.author” TLD is from the initial 2012 application period, during which no applications for “.author” were made. Therefore, it has not yet been officially reviewed, accepted, or made available for use.
In conclusion, while the “.author” TLD does not currently exist, it could hypothetically be established in the future if an application were to be made and accepted by ICANN.
Sources:
1. IETF Publications [RFC 1034] and [RFC 1035]
2. ICANN’s New gTLD Program
3. ICANN’s Applicant Guidebook
4. ICANN’s TLD Application System (TAS) Information on “.author”
