A top-level domain (TLD) refers to the last segment of a domain name, or the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. Examples include .com, .org, .net, .gov, .edu etc. In the case of .GOOGLE, it falls into the category of a brand TLD, which, according to the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), are TLDs that uphold the name of a specific brand or company.
The .GOOGLE TLD is managed by Charleston Road Registry Inc., which is a subsidiary company of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. This TLD is not open to the public, meaning that you cannot register a domain with a .GOOGLE extension unless you are a part of the Google organization. This is a standard practice for brand TLDs as it helps corporations have more control over their internet presence and protect their brand from cybersquatters.
The primary technical body overseeing TLDs globally is the ICANN, a non-profit organization. ICANN developed the process for introducing new, generic top-level domains, allowing for the expansion of available TLDs around 2014. As per the guidelines outlined by ICANN, applicants for brand TLDs must demonstrate relevant trademark ownership and provide various technical details of how they plan to operate their TLD.
For example, it requires applicants to provide information about the expected DNS (Domain Name System) setup, whether they’ll provide WHOIS services, what security measures will be in place to avoid misuse of the TLD, and how they’ll handle disputes related to the TLD. These technical and operational criteria are assessed by ICANN in the evaluation process before the TLD can be launched.
As a TLD operator, Google is also expected to comply with ICANN’s registry agreement, which specifies DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) implementation to ensure the security and integrity of domain name system data. Moreover, all registered domains under the .GOOGLE TLD have to comply with the Abuse Policy and Rights Protection Mechanisms outlined by Google Registry.
In conclusion, a .GOOGLE TLD is a branded, private top-level domain owned and managed by Google through its subsidiary. It functions within the framework of ICANN regulations and is a part of an ever-growing network of TLDs that currently includes well over a thousand names.
Sources:
1. ICANN – https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/faqs-84-2012-02-25-en
1. Google Registry – https://www.registry.google/
1. ICANN Registry Agreement – https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/registries/registries-agreement-en.
