As of my latest knowledge update in September 2021, there isn’t a top-level domain (TLD) with the .room extension. Top-level domains are the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet. The top-level domain names are controlled by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). They can be classified into two types: generic TLDs and country-code TLDs. Some examples of generic TLDs include .com, .net, .edu, .gov, etc., and country codes TLDs include .us, .uk, .au, etc.
If there were a .room TLD, it would likely be categorized as a generic TLD (gTLD), which would mean it would be open for registration to the public. These types of domains are typically used for a specific function, like .store for online stores or .edu for educational institutions. For instance, a .room domain might be useful for businesses in the home decor or hotel industry to give insight into the type of content visitors can expect on the website.
ICANN maintains a comprehensive list of all existing TLDs, it is known as the “Root Zone Database” (Source: ICANN; Root Zone Database). As of my knowledge cut-off, the .room TLD does not exist in that list. However, it is also important to note that ICANN does have a new gTLD program and it periodically opens application windows for new TLDs. If an application for .room were submitted and approved during one of those periods, then .room might become a registered TLD.
It’s also worth mentioning that the process to apply for a new gTLD with ICANN is quite expensive and rigorous. ICANN’s last application round in 2012 charged a $185,000 evaluation fee per domain name, and that doesn’t include the ongoing costs if the domain name is approved. ICANN also has strict guidelines about who can apply for a new domain name and how it can be used (Source: ICANN; New gTLD Program).
The DNS (Domain Name System) remains a dynamic and ever-evolving system with the potential for new TLDs to be added in the future, and it’s always possible that a .room TLD might be provided for if there was enough interest and the proper resources were dedicated to managing it. However, as of now, no .room top-level domain exists.
Sources used:
1. ICANN; Root Zone Database: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db.
1. ICANN; New gTLD Program: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/.
