The top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name. It’s the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. TLDs are primarily categorized into two types: generic TLDs (gTLDs) and country-specific TLDs (ccTLDs). An example of a gTLD would be .COM, .NET, or .ORG, while an example of a ccTLD would be .US for the United States, .CA for Canada, or .UK for United Kingdom.
However, the specific TLD “.Search” is classified as what is known as a Generic Top Level Domain (gTLD). It is a new proposal and it’s yet to be included in the Internet’s Root Zone Database. The .SEARCH application was initiated by the tech company Google Inc. as part of a new program from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Via this programme, ICANN plans to expand the current set of top-level domains (TLDs) (ICANN, 2012).
To further explain, Google’s company, Charleston Road Registry Inc., intended to operate .SEARCH as a redirecting TLD, meaning it actively redirects the user’s request for a .SEARCH domain name to another TLD. The primary aim is to increase choice and competition within the domain name space. This initiative will allow users to easily conduct search functionality with the use of domain names. For example, if this initiative goes through, users entering ‘music.search’ on the URL will be redirected to a search engine page showing results about music instantly (ICANNWiki, n.d).
Moreover, the string “.search” is intended to serve the category of users seeking to make information accessible and useful, with the goal of improving the way users navigate the web. It represents an application that is focused solely on making searching the internet a more custom and user-friendly experience (Google Inc, 2012).
However, as of the current moment, .SEARCH is not yet available as it’s still under evaluation. The idea is that with .SEARCH, the user will be able to direct their searches more effectively to a specific area of interest. However, there’s ongoing debate over how useful the implementation of .SEARCH and similar TLDs will be.
In conclusion, the .SEARCH gTLD represents an ongoing evolution of the DNS ecosystem. Its implementation may potentially affect how people search for information online by providing a more customizable, user-focused search experience. However, as with any changes to fundamental internet infrastructure, the impact and effectiveness of .SEARCH will likely only be clear once it’s fully implemented and evaluated.
Sources:
- ICANN, (2012), New gTLD Program
- ICANNWiki, n.d, .search
- Google Inc, (2012), TLD Application for .SEARCH
