The top-level domain (TLD) .MAN is not currently recognized as a domain within the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the Internet’s globally unique identifiers (ICANN, 2021). According to ICANN, there are over 1,200 possible generic TLDs (gTLDs), yet as of now, “.MAN” is not one of them. (ICANN, 2021).
For context, a top-level domain is the last segment of a domain name – the letters immediately following the last (rightmost) dot. Examples of top-level domains include .com, .org, .gov, .edu, and .net. These are known as “generic” TLDs, and are the most common TLDs (Network Solutions, LLC). Besides, there are also “country-code” TLDs for specific geographic locations. For instance, .us is for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, and .jp for Japan.
In 2011, ICANN made a massive decision to allow organizations to apply for new gTLDs (ICANN, 2011). These could be almost any word or abbreviation, leading to a wide array of new top-level domains like .club, .shop, .blog, and more. This major expansion has fostered much more diversity and choice in the domain name space, helping organizations to have more unique and creative online identities.
However, not all submitted proposals have been approved, and some proposed gTLDs have been rejected for various reasons, such as the risk of cybersquatting, potential misuse, or conflict with existing TLDs or with the interests of certain communities or businesses (ICANN, 2011).
Given all this, though “.MAN” isn’t presently a recognized TLD, ICANN’s past actions indicate that its domain space can and does expand over time. For now, organizations interested in a .MAN domain would first need to submit a proposal to ICANN during its application window (which is presently closed). The proposal would then be subject to evaluation and public comment before a decision is made.
If ICANN reopens the submission process in the future, prospective applicants are advised to study processes and outcomes from previous application windows, as well as to prepare necessary documentation to support their case for the addition of the “.MAN” TLD.
Sources:
1. ICANN. “Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)”. https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtlds-1140-2012-02-25-en
2. Network Solutions, LLC. “What is a Domain Name at Network Solutions?” http://www.networksolutions.com/education/what-is-a-domain-name/
3. ICANN. “New gTLD Program.” https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/overview
4. ICANN. “List of Top-Level Domains.” https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
5. ICANN. “New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)” https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtlds-63-2019-05-30-en
