I’m sorry for the confusion, but currently, there is no recognized top-level domain (TLD) named “.ZERO”. Top-level domains (TLDs) are the last segment of a domain name – the letters immediately following the final dot of any domain name. For example, in the domain name “www.google.com,” “.com” is the TLD. The TLD management and creation are regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
ICANN divides TLDs into several types; ccTLDs (country code TLDs like .us, .uk), gTLDs (generic TLDs like .com, .edu), IDN ccTLDs (country code top-level domains allowing internationalized domain names), second-level, third-level, and so on.
ICANN has allowed, since 2012, for organizations to apply for new gTLDs, which has seen the release of TLDs like .google, .apple, etc. This is part of ICANN’s new generic top-level domain (gTLD) Program, which enhances competition, consumer choice, and innovation on the internet (ICANN,2021).
Thus far, there has been no suggestion or introduction of a .ZERO TLD. However, in theory, it’s possible if a company or organization decided to apply for “.ZERO” as part of ICANN’s gTLD program. It would require going through ICANN’s application process, that includes going through public comment, objection process, and Initial Evaluation, to name a few (ICANN,2021)
However, the process is complex and expensive; it costs $185,000 just to apply, and the process from application to delegation can take from 2 to more than 10 years (ICANN,2021).
Therefore, whilst technically possible, currently, there is no “.ZERO” top-level domain.
Resources:
- ICANN,(2021). New gTLD Program. [online] Available at: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
- ICANN,(2021). TLD Application Process. [online] Available at: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/global-support/faqs/faqs-en
- ICANN,(2021). TLD Application Costs. [online] Available at: https://icannwiki.org/Cost_of_a\_gTLD
