The top-level domain (TLD) you mentioned, XN—OTU796D, is a Punycode representation of a generic top-level domain (gTLD). Punycode is a method for encoding URLs written in non-Latin alphabets such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. This allows the internet to accommodate languages with different scripts, hence making it more all-encompassing and global.
To understand what XN—OTU796D means exactly, we need a decoder tool. For instance, the “Punycode converter”. When used, this Punycode string translates to “招聘”, which is Chinese for “recruitment”. It is noted in ICANN’s (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) list of top-level domains and authorized by them.
ICANN mentions that .招聘 (or .xn—otu796D in Punycode) is a delegated string that was approved under ICANN’s Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program. This new gTLD is intended for use by companies, organizations, or individuals who want to create a platform related to job postings, career opportunities and recruitment.
Various online businesses and entities, particularly in Chinese-speaking regions, use this domain to attract potential employees. For example, a site “公司.招聘”, when translated to English, means “company.recruitment”, which clearly indicates the purpose of the website.
To clarify, ICANN is the organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of the databases related to namespaces of the Internet. This mandate includes the allocation of the top-level domains globally. The organization’s approval and delegation of new gTLDs like “招聘” (.xn—otu796d) showcases the diversity and inclusivity in the world of Internet, reaching more users in their native languages.
Sources:
1. ICANN’s TLD List – https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
2. Understanding the domain name system (ICANN) – https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/dns-2014-03-20-en
3. ICANN’s Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program – https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
4. Punycode converter – https://www.punycoder.com/