Nominet, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for .uk Internet infrastructure, is calling for contributors to an issue discussing policy on expired domain names.
A brief has been published for a ‘Domain expiry policy’ issue group that will bring together a range of stakeholders in order to help Nominet make informed policy decisions.
Nominet has a rigorous process for ensuring that registrants get every chance to renew their domain names.
At present, the relevant registrar usually contacts the registrant towards the end of the two-year registration period to ask if they want to renew. Following expiry of the registration, Nominet contacts all registrants who have not already renewed, giving them the opportunity to do so. They have 30 days until the domain name is suspended, and up to 90 days from the date of expiry to renew.
Currently, domains that registrants don’t wish to renew can be taken on by the relevant registrar (e.g. for auction), or can be released back into the .uk domain name pool and made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The issue group discussion will be focused on establishing the general policy principles around domain expiry , rather than discussing the merits of individual practices.
The brief published today expands on the original issue group proposal received from a Nominet member and published in October 2010 on the practice of ‘expired domain tasting’, where some registrars use the 30 day post-expiry period to ascertain the traffic levels and therefore value of a domain.
Stakeholders can put themselves forward to take part, or comment on the issue brief, until 14th June.
Alex Blowers, Director of Legal & Policy at Nominet comments: "It’s important that we gather the views of stakeholders together in order to ensure our policy on domain expiry gives every opportunity for registrants to renew, whilst also encouraging fair and healthy competition within the industry."
Nominet’s policy process is designed to ensure participation from the broadest group of stakeholders possible. Issue groups can be formed to harness the experience and views of those from outside as well as inside the domain name industry. These groups will discuss specific issues and provide policy recommendations to Nominet's Board for consideration.