One of the most contentious new gTLDs from the 2012 round was Google's .zip - it wasn't opened up to registration until 2023 but, along with .mov, critics decried the opportunity it created for bad actors to lure victims with TLDs that matched common filetypes. The fear of .zip even led to some organisations blocking the domain outright but that hasn't stopped WordPress parent Automattic making a bid for another TLD that matches a common file extension in web development: PHP.
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenwerg is no stranger to controversy and the .php TLD seems to be designed to exert some control over the PHP community, with the justification that the popularity of WordPress makes it "the largest open-source PHP project"1. The .php application is actually a replacement string for Automattic's .vibe application, so they could only pursue .php if their .vibe bid fails. Unfortunately .vibe is one of the most hotly contested strings in the 2026 round, with eight other organisations vying for it (including Identity Digital, GoDaddy and LFG) so the likelihood is that some other lucky party will end up being able to ride the fad of vibe-coded bollocks.
B'ad Samurai recommended the PHP Foundation lodge an objection to the string when the window opens on 17 November because Automattic could be incentivised by a 65% refund on their $227k application fee if they withdraw by 27 November2. It should be noted though that Mullenweg is not someone famous for backing down and the risk of losing $150k is probably less important to him (and his estimated net worth of $400m) than the chance to go for something he wants. In discussions on the Fediverse, Derick Rethans of the PHP Foundation confirmed they will have internal discussions about it3.
As further evidence of WordPress's malevolent dictator for life's egotistical tendencies, he also applied for .matt (as an uncontested primary string) when he even already owns the domain hack ma.tt and runs his personal website on it. In fairness, if I were in his position I would love to apply for .rod just because (and I also own the domain hack for my name rodd.ie).