It is likely .UK is to join the ranks of ccTLDs to allow for registrations at the second level. Nominet today announced they are launching a consultation on registrations at the second level for business.
The proposed new service, called direct.uk, is aimed at businesses and would potentially offer shorter domain names registered at the second level (i.e. www.yourbusiness.uk) as well as one of the most comprehensive package of security features available, albeit at a significant premium on existing co.uk domains with the price to registrars being £20 compared to the current £2.50.
Key proposed features of the new service according to the Nominet news release, and areas of focus for the consultation include:
- Enhanced security capabilities, including routine monitoring and notification to registrants of viruses and malware, as well as a digital signature known as DNSSEC which minimises the risks of a domain name being hijacked. Under the proposals, domain names affected by malware would be suspended if registrants fail to take action to rectify those issues.
- A verified UK presence requirement for registrants in order to be eligible for the new domains.
- A staged release process for the domains, with registered rights holdersâ applications considered in the first phase, then unregistered rights holders. All those using existing .co.uk, .org.uk etc domain names would be granted unregistered rights under the proposed plans.
- The new domains would potentially be sold via registrars that can meet the required data quality and service levels.
Nominet is now seeking views from all stakeholders on the potential introduction of this proposed new service, which would be in addition to current registrations at the third level.
Nominet’s Director of Operations Eleanor Bradley explains more in this video.
To view the proposals and respond to the consultation, Nominet requests either to complete an online form at www.nominet.org.uk/go/directuk and emailing comments to direct@nominet.org.uk, or by requesting a hard copy of the consultation from direct@nominet.org.uk.
Comments close on Monday 7 January 2013.