2007 Names Policy Panel
Terms of Reference
Purpose
The purpose of the Panel is to:
- review the policy framework underlying the allocation and use of domain names in the .au domain space*; and
- provide recommendations to the auDA board about what changes (if any) should be made to the policy framework.
Background
In May 2001 auDA's Name Policy Advisory Panel recommended a new, uniform policy framework for the allocation of domain names in the asn.au, com.au, id.au, net.au and org.au 2LDs. This common framework replaced the individual policies that had been developed by the different 2LD administrators since the early 1990s. auDA implemented the Panel's recommendations with effect from 1 July 2002.
In 2004 auDA’s Name Policy Review Panel reviewed the eligibility and allocation criteria for asn.au, com.au, id.au, net.au and org.au and recommended some minor changes, which were implemented by auDA in 2005.
References:
- “Review of Policies in .au 2LDs: Recommended Changes to Domain Name Eligibility and Allocation Policies in the .au Domain Space, May 2001"
- “Final Recommendations on Domain Name Policy Rules, November 2004”
Activity
The Panel will review the policy framework underlying the allocation and use of domain names in the .au domain space*.
The Panel will consider the following issues:
1. Should .au be opened up to direct registrations (eg. domainname.au)? If yes, should there be any policy rules, and if so what rules?
2. Should the policy rules for asn.au, com.au, id.au, net.au and org.au be changed? If yes, what changes should be made?
Relevant auDA Published Policies:
- Domain Name Eligibility and Allocation Policy Rules for the Open 2LDs (2005-01)
- Guidelines for Accredited Registrars on the Interpretation of Policy Rules for the Open 2LDs (2005-02)
- Reserved List Policy (2006-02)
- Clarification of Close and Substantial Connection Rule – Domain Monetisation (2006-03)
- Clarification of Domain Name Licence – Prohibition on Misspellings (2006-05)
3. Should registrants be allowed to sell their .au domain names?
Relevant auDA Published Policies:
- Clarification of Domain Name Licence – Prohibition on Sale of Domain Name (2005-05)
- Transfers (Change of Registrant) Policy (2004-03)
Chair
The auDA Board has appointed Derek Whitehead, Director, Information Services and University Copyright Officer, Swinburne University to chair the Panel.
Members
The Panel will consist of up to 22 members other than the Chair. It is intended that the Panel will represent the key stakeholders in the Australian domain name system, including auDA Board members, auDA members, auDA accredited registrars, domain name resellers, domain name holders (registrants), domainers, business, consumers, government, law enforcement, legal sector, IT industry and internet users.
Panel members will be appointed by the auDA Board on the basis of their individual skills, experience and knowledge of the domain name industry. The Board will also seek to achieve a fair balance of stakeholder interests.
Membership of the Panel is on a voluntary basis, although auDA may assist with expenses (refer to Operations below). Panel members must be prepared to commit their time and effort for the duration of the Terms of Reference (refer to Timeline below).
Operations
The Panel will determine its own operational procedures.
The Panel will undertake at least two public consultations during the course of its work.
The Chair will provide regular progress reports to the auDA Board.
auDA will provide secretariat and other operational support to the Panel.
auDA may provide financial assistance to Panel members where required, for example in the case of not-for-profit organisations and individuals whose participation in the Panel is not funded by their employer. Such assistance will be provided at auDA’s discretion.
Timeline
An indicative timeline is as follows:
Activity | Timing |
auDA issues call for nominations | December 2006 |
auDA Board confirms Panel Terms of Reference and membership | February 2007 |
1st Panel meeting | March 2007 |
1st public consultation | June 2007 |
2nd public consultation | September 2007 |
Panel's final report to auDA Board | November 2007 |
The timeline is subject to change.
* The following 2LDs are excluded from the Terms of Reference: csiro.au, edu.au, gov.au and the community geographic 2LDs (act.au, nsw.au, nt.au, sa.au, tas.au, vic.au, wa.au).
Last Updated: 15/02/2007 11:53
