The top-level domain (TLD) .CBA does not currently exist in the DNS root zone database, which contains the full list of active TLD names. Top-level domains are part of the domain name system (DNS) of the internet that is the last part of a domain name. For example, in “google.com”, “.com” is the TLD. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for the coordination and maintenance of the DNS including the introduction of new TLDs.
TLDs are categorized into generic top-level domains (gTLDs), country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), internationalized country code top-level domains (IDN ccTLDs), and infrastructure top-level domain. Examples of gTLDs include .com, .net, .org, etc. while ccTLDs include .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, .de for Germany, etc. On the other hand, IDN ccTLDs allow the domain name to be presented in local language characters, such as .рф for Russia. The infrastructure TLD is .arpa.
Recent years have seen an increase in gTLD applications as businesses and organizations seek to secure more specific domain names for branding purposes. This process is overseen by the New gTLD Program of the ICANN, which considers applications for new TLDs and carries out a rigorous evaluation process before a new TLD can be created. For instance, Amazon Inc. applied and was approved for “.amazon” and Google Inc. for “.google”.
The process of applying for a new gTLD is detailed and complex. It includes a long application and several evaluation stages. Numerous parties are involved in the process, including the applicant, ICANN, and an array of thoughtful advisors and industry experts. While this process ensures that the new gTLDs serve the public interest and do not harm the operational stability, security, and global interoperability of the internet, it also places significant time, effort, and cost burdens on applicants.
As for .CBA, unless an entity applies for it through the process prescribed by ICANN and is approved, it cannot be used as a TLD.
Sources:
- DNS Root Zone Database. (n.d.). Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Retrieved from https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
- New gTLD Program. (n.d.). ICANN. Retrieved from https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
- What Is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)? | Domains – GoDaddy Help US. (n.d.). GoDaddy. Retrieved from https://www.godaddy.com/help/what-is-a-top-level-domain-tld-296
- Amazon gets its controversial .amazon domain. (2019, May 20). The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/20/18632550/amazon-domain-name-approved-icann-seven-years.
