Nominet announces new policy consultation for expiring .UK domains

Nominet, the .UK domain registry, has today opened a new policy consultation on expiring domains. This follows on from previous policy discussions on drop lists.

“Following our 2019 .UK Policy Consultation, Nominet have decided to implement a more transparent process for informing registrars and the wider public when an expired domain name will be made available for re-registration. They are also considering different methods for releasing highly desired expired domains which are contested (i.e. there are multiple parties seeking to register the domain name).”

This consultation comprises two areas for input:

1. Whether domains should be made available for re-registration throughout the day at a specific point in time, based on the time stamp for the original registration, or be released at a specified single point in time, say 2pm every day; and
2. Since a very small minority of domains are intensely contested with multiple parties interested in re-registration, whether to alter the way in which Nominet release these domains. The options proposed are (1) auction model – two variations, and (2) economically controlled access to expiring domains.

Eleanor Bradley, MD Registry & Public Benefit at Nominet says:

“Our 2019 consultation showed considerable support for a more transparent process. It also raised wider questions on the release of expired domains for which there is intense competition and interest in registering. We felt strongly that changes should only be implemented after full consideration of the whole system. Having assessed a variety of options we are now inviting stakeholder feedback on our proposals.”

All stakeholders can submit consultation responses by 14 August 2020. All stakeholders are also invited to attend a virtual roundtable to discuss these issues on Tuesday 11^th August. Register at www.nominet.uk/roundtable

Interested parties can find out more about the consultation and submit responses here: nominet.uk/policy