.nz policy review
Background
One of InternetNZ's roles as the home and guardian for the .nz domain is to set the policies for the registration and use of a .nz domain.
Our policies set out the rules and procedures for anyone owning a .nz domain name. They include:
- the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the .nz domain
- the procedures they need to follow
- how we manage any disputes about .nz domain names.
- .nz policy review timeline
To ensure the .nz policies are modern, robust, harmonised, and world-class in line with other well-regarded domain name spaces around the world, we started the .nz policy review process in 2019.
We received a number of recommendations on what changes InternetNZ should make to the .nz policies. These recommendations were divided into three tranches:
Tranche 1
The .nz Rules were drafted to include the Tranche 1 Recommendations and incorporate some feedback from various stakeholders on the draft .nz Rules.
These rules were published in October 2021 and come into effect on 1 November 2022 when the new registry system is in place.
Tranche 2
In mid-2022, the Tranche 2 recommendations were reviewed in terms of desirability and feasibility, and we have identified which Tranche 2 recommendations we would like to proceed with and implement.
These recommendations have been prioritised in 3 groups based on the significance/impact of the recommendations and/or the resources available*.
* Details of this can be found in the February 2022 Council Meeting Pack (page 97 onwards).
New work plan
InternetNZ’s 2022/2023 work plan has identified areas of focus aligned with InternetNZ’s strategy, this includes using the .nz policy process to consider how to respond to the concerns on online harm and manage online harm.
The present and future: implementation of recommendations and foundational research in relation to online harm
Online harm focus
Before we can look at how the .nz policy can manage or respond to online harm, we will need to do some substantive foundational research work. We aim to have the research work completed by mid-2023, and then we can begin looking at how the .nz Rules can be updated to manage or respond to online harm and what additional tools may be required.
Recommendations
In the meantime, we will continue working on reviewing and implementing the Tranche 2 recommendations and reviewing any other recommendations that can support the new focus in relation to online harm.
.nz policy review archive
Read the .nz policy review archive for 2019-2021.
.nz Rules (coming into effect on 1 November 2022)
Please note we have received some feedback and recommendations since publishing the Final Tranche One .nz Rules, which may result in minor amendments to the .nz Rules. These will be reviewed, implemented and communicated after 1 November 2022.