.nz policy review 2024
Our role in creating .nz policy
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 name.
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.
2024 Rules review
In 2024, we’re undertaking a review across some key areas — like how we manage conflicted names, minor drafting changes, protection of Te Reo Māori, and Domain Name System (DNS) abuse:
- A conflicted name is where two or more people own a domain name that has the same base name but on different tiers, i.e. Joseph Bloggs owns jobloggs.co.nz and Joanne Bloggs owns jobloggs.net.nz — the question as to who had the right to register the top tier domain jobloggs.nz when the top tier came out in 2014 is still not settled for all and it's time to review how this is managed. As of 2024, InternetNZ is consulting on whether it’s time to change how the conflicted .nz domain names are managed. See the conflicted domain names policy review page for more information.
- Minor changes are small changes that need to be made to clarify what some of the rules mean. (See below for the current campaign on this consultation.)
- Reviewing the rules with a Māori lens, including learning what the Māori priorities are for the .nz rules, and how we can protect Te Reo Māori within the .nz space. Engagement and consultation with Māori will be central in this process.
- DNS Abuse is technical abuse: phishing, pharming, malware, botnets, and spam (when used as delivery mechanism). We will be having a look at whether the rules should give stronger powers to act to stop these abuses.
Email dotnzreview@internetnz.net.nz if you have any questions or suggestions for our rules or want to engage in any future consultations.
Current consultation
.nz Rules — A few tidy-ups and changes to Domain Name Commission enforcement powers
Since publishing the .nz Rules we have received some feedback from various stakeholders and identified minor amendments to tidy up the .nz Rules.
The changes include clause reference changes and drafting clarifications to assist with understanding particular .nz rules.
More significantly, it is proposed that the Domain Name Commission’s authority to ask for information from people that are bound by the rules is expanded. Also, it is proposed that the Domain Name Commission’s ability to compliance lock is extended.
The table below provides details of the amendments that are to be made:
|
Section |
Clause |
Reason for amendment |
Proposed text |
|
Interpretation |
1 - “Domain Name Holder”. |
The .nz Register and DNC query search tool refers to ‘registrant’ and the definition refers to ‘domain name holder’. Definition of ‘domain name holder’ in rules proposed to be updated to match current practice. |
Domain Name Holder means the person or lawfully constituted entity named on the .nz Register and identified in the ‘Registrant Name’ field as the result of a Query Search via the DNCL website domain lookup tool and includes a prospective Domain Name Holder if the context requires. |
|
Operational Rules — Optional features of .nz domain names — Privacy Option |
Clause 6.2.3 |
The DNC are observing a large number of domain names with the Privacy Option in place and where the eligibility criteria has not been met. Rules updated that the Privacy Option is only available to those who meet the criteria. |
If an applicant seeking to register a domain name on the .nz Register or a Domain Name Holder at any other time tells their Registrar that they want to opt in to the Privacy Option, the Registrar must direct InternetNZ to apply the Privacy Option in relation to the .nz domain name if the applicant or Domain Name Holder meets the eligibility criteria in clause 6.2.1. |
|
Operational Rules — Domain Name Holder Obligations |
Clause 8.2.6 |
A Registrar or Reseller can not register domain names in their own name unless using the domain name themselves.
The requirement for a direction from a domain name holder is already in clause 8.2.5.c.
Rules updated to make the drafting more clear. Duplication removed. |
A Registrar or Reseller must not register or update a domain name to be registered in its own name unless the Registrar or Reseller intends to use the domain name itself. A registrar must not enter into a lease, licence or any other arrangement with a third party resulting in the Registrar or Reseller registering a domain name in that Registrar or Reseller's own name but held for the benefit of that third party. |
|
Procedures and requirements — Information Management |
Clause 10.3.1(i) |
The details shown under the current query search offered by DNC provides ‘Registrant Contact Details’ but this is not reflected in the rules. Rules updated to match current operational practice. |
InternetNZ or DNCL will make the following details available…. i. Domain Name Holder Contact Details (or Registrant Contact Details, as the case may be). |
|
Operational |
Clause 11.2.5 |
The clause refers to connecting to InternetNZ when it should say the .nz Register Rules updated to remove typo. |
The Commissioner can remove a Registrar’s authorisation if the Registrar:
|
|
Operational rules — Investigation of enquiries between the Domain Name Holder and Registrar |
Clause 12.2.4 |
The clause refers to seeking information after having determined a breach has happened. It should allow collection for the purpose of investigation. Rules updated to be more effective. |
If DNCL determines that a party has breached or likely breached a .nz Rule or associated agreement or contracts, it may request [information etc]. |
|
Operational rules — Enforcement — actions in relation to domain name holders |
Clause 12.2.17 |
The clause does not allow for compliance locking during an investigation. This is needed, for example, to stop a domain name expiring and being released to the market during an investigation. Rules updated to be more effective. |
The Commissioner can impose a Compliance Lock when a .nz domain name has been sanctioned or to preserve the position of a Party using the Dispute Resolution Service or during an investigation. A locked .nz domain name cannot be amended in any way by the Registrar (including being transferred, cancelled or released). |
|
Schedule 3 |
Content that makes up schedule 3 is currently a cross reference to a retired policy. Rules updated to be more accessible. |
Clause 9 and 10 of the retired operations and procedures policy to be copied into .nz rules as schedule 3 and the clauses consequently re-numbered. |
- The changes are highlighted in these draft .nz rules.
- Here are the current rules.
Have your say!
We are keen to hear any feedback on these proposed changes.
Send your submission to dotnzreview@internetnz.net.nz before Friday, 10 June 2024. Submissions will be published on this webpage.
Get in touch by emailing dotnzreview@internetnz.net.nz with any questions about the proposed amendments to the .nz Rules.
.nz policy review archive
Read the .nz policy review archive for 2019-2021.