Currently, the top-level domain (TLD), “.SEVEN,” does not exist within the regulations set by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
ICANN is the non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and methodologies of several databases, with unique identifiers, related to the namespaces of the Internet. They are in charge of providing new TLDs. As of today, the list of valid TLDs provided by ICANN doesn’t include SEVEN (ICANN, 2022).
According to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority’s (IANA) Root Zone Database, which is responsible for top-level domain name control, there is currently no .SEVEN (IANA, 2022). However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible for it to be made available in future.
ICANN periodically opens application windows for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs), like .APP, .XYZ, .CLUB, etc. During this time, any interested party can apply to create a new TLD. The process involves detailed proposals, financial vetting, and rounds of public commentary. In 2012, ICANN’s new gTLD application process resulted in the creation of over 1,000 new gTLDS.
To provide a specific example, Apple Inc. applied for the .APP TLD in the 2012 round, obtaining official approval in 2015. Although facing stiff competition from 12 other applicants, including Amazon and Google, they secured it based on their proposal demonstrating how the TDL would serve the public interest. The .APP TLD is now used widely by application developers worldwide for promotional and support sites related to their applications (ICANN, 2015).
Considering these facts, the .SEVEN TLD could potentially be introduced in a future round of new gTLD applications. It could be beneficial for a tech company named Seven or a lottery game since number seven is often associated with luck. It could also be an advantage for the marketing of weight loss programs that promise results in seven weeks, or even seven-minute workout apps.
Keep in mind, though, application for a new gTLD is an intense and pricey process, estimated to be a minimum of $185,000 in application fees alone, not including legal, operational and technical fees. But for the right interest group or business venture, it could definitely be a worthwhile investment (ICANN, 2022).
Sources:
ICANN. (2015). .APP. Retrieved from https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings/app-gtld-inc-21aug15-en.
ICANN. (2022). New gTLD Program Statistics. Retrieved from https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/statistics.
IANA. (2022). Root Zone Database. Retrieved from https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db.
