Glossary

A domain name licence holder.

Domain name extensions including .au direct, com.au, net.au, org.au etc.

An international standard for best practice information security.

A DNS query is a request for information sent from an internet connected device to a DNS server. When an internet user types a domain name into an internet search bar or sends an email, they commence a DNS query. 

Part of internet addresses expressed in written word that stand in for IP addresses e.g. auDA.org.au. They are used in website and email addresses. IP addresses are unique series of numbers that identify where a website or email address is hosted online.

The Terms of Endorsement outline the Federal Government's formal endorsement of auDA. The Terms of Endorsement require auDA to administer the .au domain in the public interest and in accordance with Australian laws, and ensure it is stable, secure and reliable.

auDA’s stakeholder ecosystem is the network of key stakeholders that auDA regularly interacts with including the registry operator, registrars, resellers, registrants, local, state, and federal government entities, education and training providers, industry bodies, auDA members a

Resellers are businesses that provide domain name registration services to the public but are not accredited registrars. Resellers do not have direct access to the registry. They register domain names through an accredited registrar.

The .au registry operator is Identity Digital Australia. Identity Digital Australia (formerly known as Afilias Australia) was appointed as the .au registry operator following a global tender process in 2017.

The .au registry is a database of all licensed domain names and associated information, such as the name and contact details of the registrant and registrar.