A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of the domain name in Internet addresses. The TLD is vital because it gives information about the website associated with it, such as its purpose, geographical area, or type of organization.
The TLD: “.cards” is a generic top-level domain (gTLD). It was introduced in the Internet Domain Name System after approval by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2013. ICANN is responsible for the coordination of the global Internet’s systems of unique identifiers and, in particular, ensuring its stable and secure operation. This information is mentioned in the ICANN document “New gTLD Program : Applicant Guidebook” (ICANN, 2012).
The “.cards” TLD falls under category 1 strings which are related to specialty, novelty and generics, as per the same document. The purpose of the “.cards” gTLD is to provide a dedicated Internet space in which registrants can enact second-level domains that relate to the promotion, production, distribution, selling or trading of cards. This encompasses a broad range of different types of cards, for example, credit cards, debit cards, discount cards, trading cards, greeting cards, business cards, etc.
The Registry Agreement between ICANN and the designated operator for “.cards” records that the “.cards” gTLD is “unsponsored.” This means there is no sponsoring organization with a narrow and defined mission limiting registration of the TLD, and it’s open to any registrant who complies with the registry policies (Registry Agreement, ICANN, 2013).
It’s worth noting that “.cards” Registry Agreement is with a subsidiary of Donuts Inc., an American company that runs numerous gTLDs. So all of the critical policies, such as dispute resolution policy, acceptable use policy, and registration term policy, are managed by Donuts for the “.cards” gTLD.
Here’s an example. Assuming a company named ‘XYZ’ is into the distribution of trading cards and wants to setup a website. They could potentially have a domain like ‘xyz.cards’ which is specific, intuitive, and easy for customers to associate with their business.
In conclusion, the “.cards” TLD is a digital space for individuals, businesses, and organizations associated with various kinds of ‘cards’. It’s managed by the company Donuts Inc. under the global authority, ICANN.
Sources:
1. New gTLD Program : Applicant Guidebook – ICANN (2012), https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb
1. New Generic Top-Level Domains Factsheet – ICANN (2013), https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-0d-2012-02-25-en
1. Registry Agreement: ICANN and Binky Frostbite, LLC – ICANN (2013), https://www.icann.org/resources/agreement/cards-2014-02-19-en.
