“HELP” is not currently used as a top-level domain (TLD) in the internet structure. Top-level domains (TLDs) are the letters found at the end of an internet address, and they give you an idea as to the website’s purpose or geographic location.
A good place to get updated information regarding the current status of TLDs is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It is a non-profit organization responsible for the coordination of the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). As per the list provided by ICANN, as of now, there is no TLD named “.HELP” (ICANN, 2022).
In terms of understanding TLD’s, there are three types; generic top-level domains (gTLD), country-code top-level domains (ccTLD), and infrastructure top-level domain.
The generic TLDs (gTLD) include domains like .com, .net, .org, .edu, among a myriad of others directed towards specific uses or organizations. For instance, “.gov” designates a government entity, while “.edu” is reserved for educational institutions (Verisign, 2022).
Secondly, ccTLDs signify specific geographical locations. For example, “.us” stands for the United States, “.au” stands for Australia, and “.ca” for Canada (IANA, 2022).
The third type, Infrastructure TLD, is comprised solely of the “.arpa” domain, used exclusively for technical infrastructure activities under the supervision of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) (RFC 3172).
Recently, ICANN adopted the New Generic Top-level Domain (New gTLD) program, affording entities the opportunity to apply for specific domain names beyond what is presently offered. This emergence of new gTLDs has led to a substantial proliferation of TLDs in recent years (ICANN, 2012).
However, despite this expansion, “.help” is not included as a TLD as of now. It’s important to note that the assignment and approval of new top-level domains require a rigorous process. This includes applications, public reviews, potential objections from parties with vested interest, and more (ICANN, 2012).
Therefore, it’s possible “.help” may appear as a TLD in the future if entities display an interest and go through the due process.
Sources:
- Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). “New Generic Top-Level Domains” (2012).
- Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). “List of Top-Level Domains” (2022).
- Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). “Root Zone Database” (2022).
- VeriSign, Inc. “What are some examples of top-level and second-level domain names?” (2022).
- RFC 3172. “Management Guidelines & Operational Requirements for the Address and Routing Parameter Area Domain (‘arpa’)” (2001).
