List of All TLD: Understanding Top-Level Domains
A top-level domain (TLD) is the highest level in the hierarchical domain name system, appearing as the final segment of a domain name (e.g., .com, .org, .net). Understanding the list of all TLD and their characteristics is essential for domain intelligence, brand protection, and evaluating domain-based risks. This information complements domain database research and supports domain hotlist evaluation.
Types of Top-Level Domains
The list of all TLD includes several categories, each serving different purposes and having different characteristics:
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD)
Generic TLD are open to registration by anyone and are not restricted to specific countries or regions. The original gTLD include:
- .com - Commercial (most widely used)
- .org - Organizations (originally for non-profits)
- .net - Network (originally for network infrastructure)
- .edu - Educational institutions (restricted)
- .gov - Government (restricted to U.S. government)
- .mil - Military (restricted to U.S. military)
- .int - International organizations (restricted)
New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLD)
Since 2012, ICANN has approved hundreds of new gTLD, expanding the list of all TLD significantly. New gTLD include:
- Brand TLD (.apple, .google, .microsoft)
- Industry-specific TLD (.bank, .insurance, .law)
- Geographic TLD (.nyc, .london, .tokyo)
- Generic term TLD (.shop, .online, .website)
- Community TLD (.music, .art, .tech)
The expansion of the list of all TLD through new gTLD has created both opportunities and challenges for brand protection, as organizations must monitor brand abuse across a much larger number of TLD.
Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD)
Country code TLD are two-letter codes assigned to countries or territories. Examples include:
- .us - United States
- .uk - United Kingdom
- .de - Germany
- .fr - France
- .jp - Japan
- .cn - China
- .au - Australia
Some ccTLD have registration restrictions based on geographic location or residency requirements, while others are open to global registration. The list of all TLD includes over 250 ccTLD, each with its own registration policies and requirements.
TLD and Brand Protection
Understanding the list of all TLD is important for brand protection because:
Expanded Attack Surface
The expansion of the list of all TLD through new gTLD has significantly increased the number of potential domains that could be used for brand abuse. Organizations must monitor brand abuse across hundreds of TLD, not just the traditional .com, .org, and .net extensions.
TLD-Specific Abuse Patterns
Different TLD may exhibit different abuse patterns. Some new gTLD may have lower registration costs or less stringent verification requirements, making them attractive to brand abusers. Understanding which TLD are commonly used for brand abuse helps prioritize monitoring efforts.
Geographic Considerations
ccTLD can indicate geographic targeting or jurisdictional considerations for brand abuse. A domain registered in a specific ccTLD may target users in that country or region, or it may be chosen to exploit differences in trademark protection or enforcement options across jurisdictions.
Challenges in Monitoring All TLD
Monitoring brand abuse across the complete list of all TLD presents significant challenges:
Scale
With hundreds of TLD available, comprehensive monitoring requires significant resources. Organizations cannot practically monitor every possible brand variation across every TLD in the list of all TLD.
Registration Policies
Different TLD have different registration policies, verification requirements, and enforcement mechanisms. Understanding these differences is essential for effective brand protection, but requires expertise in domain registration policies across the list of all TLD.
Prioritization
Not all TLD pose equal brand protection risks. Some TLD may be more commonly used for legitimate business purposes, while others may be associated with higher rates of brand abuse. Expert evaluation helps prioritize monitoring efforts across the list of all TLD.
TLD Selection in Domain Intelligence
When evaluating domain-based risks, understanding TLD characteristics from the list of all TLD helps assess:
- Whether TLD selection indicates specific targeting or abuse intent
- Geographic or jurisdictional considerations based on ccTLD usage
- Registration cost or policy factors that may influence TLD choice
- Historical abuse patterns associated with specific TLD
Expert domain intelligence evaluation considers TLD selection as one factor in comprehensive risk assessment, combining TLD analysis with domain name patterns, registration timing, and other indicators.
Conclusion
The list of all TLD has expanded significantly with the introduction of new gTLD, creating both opportunities and challenges for domain intelligence and brand protection. Understanding TLD characteristics, registration policies, and abuse patterns helps organizations prioritize monitoring efforts and assess domain-based risks effectively. Expert domain intelligence evaluation considers TLD selection as part of comprehensive brand protection strategies.