As of now, there is no top-level domain (TLD) that utilizes the sequence “.SMART”. Top-level domains are part of the structure of the internet’s domain name system (DNS), which follows a hierarchical structure. They are at the highest level in the DNS structure of the Internet. The most prominent examples include .com, .net, .org, .gov, among others. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is responsible for the coordination of these unique identifiers across the world (ICANN, 2021).
Examples of top-level domains include generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net or .org, country code top-level domains like .us, .uk or .fr, and sponsored top-level domains like .edu, .gov, and .mil. Since 2011, ICANN has also allowed entities to apply for custom gTLDs, leading to new TLDs such as .google or .apple (ICANN, 2011).
However, regarding the “.SMART” TLD, there’s currently no such TLD registered or recognized in the ICANN database. Although theoretically, a private corporation or organization, such as Smart Technologies or SMART car, could potentially apply for .SMART as a branded TLD, as of now this has not occurred. Evidence of this can be found within ICANN’s TLD application archives (ICANN, 2021).
To search for registered or available TLDs, ICANN’s TLD-checking tool called the ‘Root Zone Database’ can be used. It provides information regarding all TLDs, including gTLDs, ccTLDs, and sTLDs. As per a recent check (as of March 2022), .SMART is not listed in the database (IANA, 2022).
In conclusion, while the .SMART TLD could theoretically exist if an organization applied for it via ICANN’s new gTLD process, it currently does not. This is based on the verified information from ICANN and its Root Zone Database, the primary and most accurate sources for checking TLD status.
Sources:
- ICANN (2021). About ICANN. Retrieved from: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/about-2012-02-25-en
- ICANN (2011). New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs). Retrieved from: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
- ICANN’s Root Zone Database (2021). Retrieved from: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
- IANA (2022). Root Zone Database. retrieved from: https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
