Fresh Rules Proposed for Expired Domain Names

Recommendations would make existing best practices of major domain name registrars a requirement.

The Post-Expiration Domain Name Recovery (PEDNR) Policy Development Process Working Group has made 14 recommendations for the handling of expired domain names.

The recommendations are part of the group’s proposed final note and may be used as part of the Policy Development Process.

Among the recommendations: requiring domain name registrars to change the DNS on an expired domain name for at least 8 days.

The working group believes that changing the DNS — which has the effect of taking down an active web site — is one of the best ways to attract the attention of a domain registrant. A placeholder page that replaces the original web site must notify visitors that the domain name is expired and refer to instructions for renewing the domain name.

Another recommendation would set a timeframe for two required expiration notices to be sent to registrants.

Also, the group proposes that all unsponsored gTLD registries be required to offer a Redemption Grace Period.

The working group included representatives of the three largest domain name registrars: Go Daddy, eNom, and Tucows.

The working group is seeking public comment on its final note until April 7.