ICANN is the body responsible for the internet's domain naming
system. From 12th November, its new Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy
allows a domain name holder to request a transfer from the
registrar to which he wishes to transfer his domain.
That registrar, known as the Gaining Registrar, will then issue
a standard form on which the holder must confirm the request if the
transfer is to go ahead. The Losing Registrar may also seek
confirmation on a separate form.
Registrars are entitled to refuse the transfer, but only for a
set number of reasons, such as fraud, court order or in the event
of a dispute action over ownership of the domain name. In addition,
transfers may not take place for 60 days after the holder first
registers the domain, or within 60 days after an earlier
transfer.
The policy also includes a dispute resolution mechanism for
violations occurring on or after 12th November, and a means by
which transfers can be 'undone' – where, for example, the transfer
has been made in error.
In order to run, the system registrars will be required to
provide a private e-mail address for use only by other registrars
and the registry in transfer issues, said ICANN, which is in the
middle of its annual conference this week. Responses to all e-mail
received at that address must be made within seven calendar
days.
