Promoting Good Practices in Domain Name Registration Supported by

The context for a CoP Third largest TLD registry in the world Dealing with everyone on an equal basis 2,700 members, with an elected Policy Advisory Board 3 million + registrations

Why A Code of Practice? To maintain quality standards and set ‘Good Practice’ Improves service levels for consumers Improves the credibility of the industry Self regulation may limit government intervention

Additional Benefit ……. Will improve the efficiency of Nominet’s service to the public: –Better registrant information –Smoother Tag changes –Fewer confused and disgruntled registrants

Establishing INCOP Accreditation to be independent of Nominet INCOP registered as a Company Nominet seed funding project Fay Howard appointed to manage the project

Aims of Code of Practice to enable businesses and consumers to make informed choices to encourage the provision of clear information about charges & services provided (T & Cs) to instigate self-regulation rather than having regulation imposed by government to promote good practices improve the image of the industry.

Content of Code Ensure advertising and promotional material is not misleading Provide sufficient information about ISP’s business Ensure that Registrants are aware of ISP’s and Nominet’s Terms and Conditions Provide clear information about services and related charges (no hidden extras)

Content of Code [2] Work within agreed time scales for Tag changes Comply with relevant law such as data protection legislation (privacy policy etc) Ensure that WHOIS data is only used for the correct purpose Ensure staff are aware of CoP and are required to comply with it

Current Position Initial discussions with Industry, Consumer Groups and Governmental agencies Draft CoP content now published and official consultation period open (to 16 November) Investigating options on : –Implementation (voluntary code –v- condition of Nominet Tag agreement –Structure & Funding of Accreditation body –Accreditation rules & Complaints procedures –Sanctions for non-compliance

Consultation Period Discussion documents now published on INCOP Web site: On-line questionnaire for potential subscriber to give preference and views 2 month period for views of industry to determine: –If code and complaints procedures are workable –How much potential subscribers are prepared to fund –Views on accreditation models

Views Sought To firm up CoP and business proposals ISPs are urged to complete the Web site questionnaire: Mailing list for discussion: Or contact