The top-level domain (TLD) “.shaw” does not currently exist in the capacity of internationally recognized domains such as “.com”, “.org”, or “.net”. The TLDs are managed by an organization called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). As told by ICANN itself, the TLDs are divided into two main types – the generic TLDs (gTLDs), like “.com”, “.org”, “.info” etc., and country code TLDs (ccTLDs), such as “.fr” for France, “.uk” for the United Kingdom, and so on.
As per the currently available data provided by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority), which operates under the umbrella of ICANN for domain name allocation and management, there is no TLD with the name “.shaw” listed. You can verify this by checking on the IANA’s official website where they maintain an updated and comprehensive list of all TLDs.
Moreover, a brand, organization, or individual wishing to register a new gTLD can do so through ICANN’s New gTLD Program. However, this program is subject to an approval process that requires a significant investment of time and resources. Shaw Communications Inc. or Shaw Industries, as examples, could theoretically apply for the “.shaw” TLD through the ICANN process, but there are no public records indicating that either company has done so.
Consequently, it’s important not to confuse TLDs with third-level domains or subdomains. Third-level domains or subdomains commonly appear before the second-level domain. For instance, in “blog.google.com”, “blog” is a third-level domain. Hence, while anyone can create a subdomain including the name “shaw” on their website (for instance, “shaw.example.com”), it does not mean “.shaw” is a registered TLD.
To summarize, currently, TLD “.shaw” isn’t available or listed as a recognized TLD by ICANN or IANA. It’s feasible for an entity like Shaw Communications or another interested party to make a proposal for “.shaw” as a gTLD; however, it would require a complex approval process and a considerable investment. For more information, one can directly check the ICANN or IANA websites, which serve as the main, official source of such data, to see the existing TLDs.
Sources:
1. ICANN – “About Generic Top-Level Domains” (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtlds-2012-02-25-en)
2. IANA Root Zone Database – (https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt)
3. ICANN – “New gTLD Program” (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/)
