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: www.incop.org.uk

• 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: www.incop.org.uk

• Mailing list for discussion:<incop-discuss@lists.incop.org.uk

• Or contact <fay@incop.org.uk>