The top-level domain (TLD) .READ does not currently exist in the domain name system of the Internet. Top level domains are one of the domains at the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System of the Internet. After the dot in the domain name, the last part is the “Top-Level Domain” or TLD. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, the top-level domain is “com”.
Presently, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization responsible for maintaining and coordinating the Internet’s domain name system, does not recognize .READ as a valid or available top-level domain.
ICANN has a recognized process through which individuals, organizations, and corporations can suggest new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs). The New gTLD Program of ICANN has been developed to increase competition and choice by introducing new gTLDs into the Internet’s addressing system. This whole process was facilitated through rounds. The first application round took place in 2012, and it isn’t clearly defined when the next round will happen.
Many new gTLDs have been introduced since then, such as .site, .online, .tech, .app, and many more. A TLD like .READ could particularly be beneficial for websites and businesses related to books, education, literature, e-learning platforms, etc. if it becomes available in the future.
However, currently, according to the ICANN’s list of TLDs (current as of January 1, 2022), there is no .READ TLD available. This information can be verified at ICANN’s TLD registries database page.
Historically, the type of top-level domains have developed from the initial set, including .com, .org, .net, .int, .edu, .gov, and .mil. Expanded gTLDs now go beyond these to include more specific types, such as .museum, .travel, or .aero, reflecting specific professions or industries.
In recent years, ICANN has begun to allow the creation and registration of customized TLDs, albeit at a substantial cost, enabling corporations to create TLDs specific to their brands. As a result, TLDs like .google, .amazon, .apple have come into existence.
All these changes mean that the possibility of seeing a .READ top-level domain in the future is not off the table. However, as of now, there is no TLD with .READ.
Sources:
1. ICANN – New Generic Top-Level Domains (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/)
2. ICANN – Current List of top-level domains (https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt).
3. Wikipedia – Top-Level Domain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top-level\_domain).
