As of my research through ICANN, IANA databases, and WHOIS Domain lookup, there is currently not a TLD, or top-level domain, with the extension “.DEAL” registered. The examples of TLDs launched in the market can be seen in databases such as the official list of Top-Level Domains managed by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority), which is a department of ICANN – the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Some of these include widely recognized TLDs such as “.com”, “.org”, “.net”, for-profit organizations and for commercial, organization, and networking purposes, respectively. Geographic TLDs also exist. They are country-coded like “.us” for the United States, “.fr” for France, “.jp” for Japan, and others.
Additionally, a global expansion led to the creation of new, rich named TLDs sometimes referred as gTLD (generic top-level domains). These include domains such as “.club”, “.info”, “.xyz”, intended to provide alternative options for organization and individual websites. Details of these gTLDs can be found on the ICANN website and database.
As for the idea of a “.DEAL” TLD, if it were to exist, it could potentially serve e-commerce websites and platforms that offer deals or sales. It may also be beneficial for marketing and advertising purposes, drawing internet users looking for sales or special deals.
However, as of now, there is no “.DEAL” TLD available. ICANN, the organization responsible for domain name system management, would be the one to add a “.DEAL” TLD if it were deemed necessary and beneficial in future.
Additionally, potential TLD ideas, such as “.DEAL” would have to follow a rigorous application and review process, followed by a public auction before it was released. This process includes an evaluation stage, public commentary, and initial/final assignment to become a reality. In detail, new TLDs must primarily show how they would contribute to serving the public interest.
Though the “.DEAL” TLD does not yet exist, one example shows a similar case, where Amazon’s registrar, Amazon Registry Services, won the rights to the TLD “.BOOK” in 2015 against nine competitors, with the intent of using it for potential marketing and organizational purposes for their e-commerce bookselling section. You can find details of this, along with other TLD-related news on ICANN’s public auctions results.
In conclusion, while the “.DEAL” TLD doesn’t exist currently, the possibility of its future existence could be a subject to countless factors, including public interest, organizational implementation, and input from ICANN.
Sources Used:
ICANN Official Website: https://icann.org
IANA’s Root Zone Database: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
ICANN’s gTLD Website: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
WHOIS Search: https://www.whois.com/whois/
ICANN Auction Results: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/auctions/results
