ICANN (.com) Registry Agreement: What it means for domain names
If you`re a website owner or a digital marketer, you may have come across the term “ICANN Registry Agreement” or “ICANN .com Registry Agreement.” But what exactly does it mean and how does it impact your domain names? In this article, we`ll dive into the details.
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the organization responsible for managing domain names and IP addresses on the internet. A Registry Agreement is a legal contract between ICANN and a domain registry operator (such as Verisign, which operates the .com domain) that outlines the terms and conditions for managing and operating the top-level domain (TLD).
The most recent ICANN .com Registry Agreement was signed in 2018 and includes several important provisions:
1. Price Increases: The agreement allows for Verisign to increase the price of .com domain names by up to 7% annually in four out of the six years of the contract term, starting in 2020. This has led to some controversy and criticism, as .com is the most widely used TLD and price increases could have a significant impact on businesses and individuals who rely on these domain names.
2. Rights Protection Mechanisms: The agreement requires Verisign to implement certain rights protection mechanisms (RPMs), including a trademark claims service and a uniform rapid suspension (URS) system, to help prevent trademark infringement and cybersquatting.
3. Data Protection: The agreement requires Verisign to comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other applicable data protection laws and regulations, with regards to the collection, storage, and processing of personal data related to domain names.
4. Security and Stability: The agreement outlines Verisign`s responsibilities for maintaining the security and stability of the .com TLD and requires regular reporting and monitoring of threats and incidents.
So, how does the ICANN .com Registry Agreement impact you as a domain name owner or digital marketer? Here are some key takeaways:
– Price increases may impact your budget and planning for domain name registrations and renewals.
– RPMs can help protect your brand and intellectual property rights, but you should still take proactive steps to monitor and enforce these rights.
– GDPR compliance is important for protecting personal data related to your domain names, and you should ensure that your registrar and other service providers are also compliant.
– The security and stability of the .com TLD is crucial for ensuring that your website and online presence are reliable and accessible to users.
Overall, the ICANN .com Registry Agreement is an essential component of the internet infrastructure and plays a significant role in regulating the management and operation of domain names. As a digital professional, staying informed about these agreements and their implications can help you make informed decisions and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the internet.