CoP Meeting - 19 December 2002
Teleconference
10am - 11.45am
Present: Brett Fenton, Kirk Fletcher, Rod Keys, Cheryl Langdon-Orr, Jo Lim, Steve Raine, Elspeth Ross, Stephen Ross, Ron Stark, Bruce Tonkin
Discussion:
Background
The Code of Practice is a key element of the industry self-regulatory regime. The Code development process is facilitated by auDA, and the Code is endorsed by the auDA Board.
On the recommendation of the first Code Committee, the auDA Board resolved that the Code be reviewed after 3, 6 and 12 months of operation. The purpose of the reviews is to ensure that the Code continues to meet its objectives and remains relevant to the industry and consumers.
JL advised that in the first 3 months of operation, auDA has received no more than 15 complaints about possible breaches of the Code. The majority of complaints are from registrars or resellers about the behaviour of other registrars or resellers.
Public awareness of the existence of the Code is not widespread at this early stage. auDA is sending a letter and brochure to all registrants in early 2003, aimed at raising awareness of the Code, consumer safeguards and the new regulatory regime in general.
Public comments on Code
The Committee discussed the comments received (posted on the auDA web site).
- Ellery: The issue raised is not relevant to the Code of Practice.
- Rogers: The requirement to maintain correct registrant contact details is covered in the Registrar Agreement and other auDA published policies.
- Baum: The Committee agreed that provision of customer support services is a matter of choice in a competitive market.
- Tonkin: The Committee agreed that registrants should not be "forced" into transferring to another registrar as part of a web hosting or other service offer. Registrants should be made aware that there is no technical connection between web hosting and domain name management.
- ACA: The Committee agreed that information about material changes to terms and conditions should be made available to registrants within 30 days (clause 10.2). The Committee noted the ACA's comments on complaints handling, and also expressed concern that these clauses place an onerous burden on the industry, especially small business.
Action:
- BT to draft wording in relation to "forced" transfers.
- JL to redraft clause 15 in relation to complaints handling.
- SRo to edit the Code, taking into account comments by the ACA and David Lindsay (July 2002).
Next meeting: Thursday 6 February, 10am AEDT.
