As per the customs and protocols of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), top-level domains (TLDs) are the suffixes or the last part of a web address, such as .com, .org, .net, and country-specific domains like .us, .uk, .au, etc. TLDs are part of the domain name system (DNS) hierarchy, which helps to organize and map the internet.
As you’re asking about .SKYPE TLD, I must clarify that there is currently no .SKYPE TLD existing or registered. ICANN urges TLD registration through recognized registry services that have contractual agreements to operate a specific TLD. These registries are responsible for accepting domain name registrations and maintaining necessary directories of domain names associated with respective TLDs. Companies can apply to register a TLD of their choosing through ICANN’s New gTLD Program, but as of the time of writing this response, Skype or its parent company Microsoft, have not applied or registered for a .SKYPE TLD.
Now, Microsoft (owner of Skype) does own a variety of different TLDs, such as .microsoft, .azure, and .xbox for various business and promotional purposes. This information is publicly available on ICANN’s TLD registries list.
To give an example of a company-specific TLD, Google has the .google TLD. This TLD is used for various Google services. For example, ‘abc.xyz’ is the domain for Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Likewise, ‘ai.google’ is a domain that Google uses for sharing information about their Artificial Intelligence projects.
It’s also necessary to note that companies must fulfill many requirements and conditions to register and maintain a TLD. This includes a fee of $185,000 USD for the application for a TLD and an annual fee of $25,000 USD for maintaining it, according to ICANN. In addition, the company must ensure that the TLD is used in accordance with ICANN policies and international laws to prevent any misuse or cybercrime activities.
In conclusion, while the .SKYPE TLD could theoretically exist if Microsoft chose to create it, it does not currently exist.
Sources Used:
1. ICANN’s Official Website – Domain Name Registration Data (Whois) Services: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/registrars/consensus-policies/wdrp-en
2. ICANN’s Official Website – New gTLD Program: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
3. Google Registry: https://www.registry.google/
4. ICANN’s Official Website – Applicant Guidebook: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb
5. ICANN’s Official Website – TLD Application Allocations and Assignment: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/registries/registries-agreements-en
