Domain registration agreements are getting longer thanks to fresh TLDs

There are a bunch of added terms specific to each fresh domain name.

With the creation of dozens of fresh registries offering top level domain names, each of them having different rules (some of them even having different rules for each of their TLDs), domain name registration agreements are getting longer.

These registration agreements have always had special terms thrown in for specific TLDs. For example, GoDaddy’s Domain Name Registration Agreement (itself part of a larger Universal Terms of Service Agreement) includes 1,121 words specific to .biz domain name registrations. It also has special language for .info, .jobs, etc.

But adding all of these fresh domains to the agreement is going to make GoDaddy’s 26,000+ word agreement, and that of other registrars, even longer.

GoDaddy has by now added language specific to: .build, blanket language for all of Donuts’ domain names, .luxury, .menu, and .uno. Soon it will have to add language for each additional registry it brings on.

A lot of the added terms will have to do with some registries getting into the content regulation business. For example, .build won’t let domains be parked. .Sexy won’t allow adult content on the home page of domains.

eNom’s agreement has standard language plus a link to each TLD’s additional terms.

Of course, I know few people who actually read the registration agreements until they have a problem.