The question asked is regarding the top-level domain (TLD) “.SMILE”. A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, the part that follows the dot symbol. Common TLDs include .com, .org, .gov, .edu, and several country-specific ones such as .jp, .cn, or .fr. They are essentially the utmost coordination entities in the hierarchical DNS organization.
An internet search for the TLD “.SMILE” doesn’t provide any specific information, suggesting that it’s neither a generic TLD (gTLD), nor a country code TLD (ccTLD), nor a brand-specific one. Currently, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which is part of The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), officially recognizes and maintains the database of TLDs. According to ICANN and IANA, there doesn’t appear to be a TLD by the name of “.SMILE”.
However, it’s worth mentioning that new TLDs can be created, relatively easily, though they require an application process and a significant fee. ICANN initiated the New gTLD Program where companies can apply for new TLDs, allowing broad and generic TLDs such as “.google”, “.apple”, “.amazon”, “.nike”, and even “.lol”. Given the apparent non-existence of “.SMILE”, it’s entirely possible that a company or entity could theoretically apply for this TLD in the future, if it deems it beneficial to its branding goals.
A few examples of such specialized TLDs include “.google” owned by Google, “.apple” owned by Apple Inc., “.bbc” owned by the BBC and “.abc” owned by the American Broadcasting Company. These extensions then allow for more accurate, company-specific website addresses, such as “store.apple” or “news.bbc”.
In conclusion, the TLD “.SMILE” doesn’t currently exist in any official capacity, according to available resources from organizations such as IANA or ICANN. However, future utilization of this extension may not be off the table, taking into account the expanding customizability and specificity of internet domain names.
Sources used for this reply include:
1. ICANN’s list of TLDs, which can be accessed here: https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
1. ICANN’s explanation of their New gTLD Program, which can be found here: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
1. IANA’s Root Zone Database, which can be accessed here: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
