As of the current understanding, the .SPA top-level domain (TLD) does not exist. A top-level domain (TLD) is one of the domains at the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System of the internet. For instance, .com, .net, .org, and country codes such as .us, .ca, .in are TLDs.
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the organization responsible for managing the DNS, maintains a list of valid TLDs. Checking the current list on the IANA official website, we can confirm that .SPA is not included.
Nevertheless, it is essential to mention that new TLDs can be created. The ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, began the application process for new generic TLDs (gTLDs) in 2012, breaking the limit of the existing ones, such as .com, .net, .org, and others.
However, creating a new TLD isn’t an easy task. It’s a complex process that incorporates evaluation of the applications by multiple independent panels in areas such as financial, technical, geographical names, and registry services. The applicants need to demonstrate their organizational, operational, and financial capability to run a registry. The introduction of new gTLDs is a complex and expensive process that can take many years to implement.
One example of a new TLD is the .app domain, which was introduced by Google in 2018 for app developers. It was part of Google’s bid to improve the internet’s security by encouraging all app developers to add SSL certificates to their websites.
Another example would be .sucks. It grabbed headlines because of the debates around its potential usage: although it was created with the aim of fostering consumer advocacy and enabling direct criticism of companies, critics concerned it would be misused. Still, it is part of the ever-growing list of top-level domains.
As of now, if the .SPA TLD were to be introduced, it might probably be used by spa facilities around the world. Until then, spa-related businesses typically use a .com TLD, or they sometimes use a more specific TLD like .health or .care.
In conclusion, while the .SPA TLD does not currently exist, the ever-changing nature of the internet means new TLDs can and will be created. Changes to the current list of valid TLDs can be monitored by referencing the official list maintained by IANA.
References:
- IANA Root Zone Database (https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db)
- New gTLD Program (ICANN) (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/)
- Google launches the .app top-level domain (https://safety.google/blog/2012/02/introducing-google-safe-browsing-30/)
- Introducing .sucks, a new top-level domain that speaks for itself (https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-dot-sucks-domain-name-20150619-story.html)
