Currently, as of my last lookup in ICANN’s (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Root Zone Database on 4th October 2021, ‘.dad’ is not recognized as a top-level domain (TLD). The ICANN is the organization that coordinates all of the IP address allocations, protocol identifier assignments, as well as the top-level domain and root server system management functions. It keeps up-to-date data on top-level domains, and as of now, ‘.dad’ is not found on their list.
A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, like ‘.com’, ‘.net’, or ‘.org’. There are several types of TLDs — generic TLDs (like ‘.com’, ‘.net’, ‘.org’), sponsored TLDs (like ‘.gov’, ‘.edu’), and country code TLDs (like ‘.us’, ‘.uk’, ‘.au’). However, ‘.dad’ does not feature within any of those lists.
An initiative called “New gTLD Program” was, however, launched by ICANN to increase the number of TLDs. This was done to enhance competition, innovation, and consumer choice. As a result, TLDs like ‘.xyz’, ‘.solar’, ‘.photos’ were introduced among others. During these rounds of new gTLD application, corporations like Google and Amazon applied for and managed to procure some unique TLDs such as ‘.google’ and ‘.amazon’. Incidentally, Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., did apply for ‘.dad’ alongside several other TLDs as part of the 2012 gTLD Application Round, but as of now, it has not made it to the root zone database.
If a business or individual aspires to have a unique TLD like ‘.dad’, they normally apply through ICANN’s New gTLD Program. The process involves several steps, including preparing and submitting an application, undergoing initial evaluation, string contention, pre-delegation, and contracting. However, it is worth noting that acquiring a unique TLD can be an expensive and time-consuming process.
In conclusion, while ‘.dad’ might have been applied for as a top-level domain, it is not officially recognized as one yet by ICANN. However, the ‘New gTLD Program’ keeps the possibility of having ‘.dad’ as a future TLD open.
Sources used:
ICANN’s Root Zone Database (https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt)
ICANN’s New gTLD Program (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program)
ICANN’s gTLD Application Results – Alphabet Inc. (https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/viewstatus)
