/ Domain policy
Since over 10 years, hundreds of new domain endings have been swamping the Internet. But how do .tirol or .versicherung differ from old friends like .de or .at? The answer is simple: by their policy model.
The diverse world of country domain policy
Domain policies are dynamic, with changes appearing regularly. In some countries, these changes stem from legal or regulatory mandates, while in others, adjustments are made by the registry or its policy committee to keep up with market developments or local needs.
Country code top-level Domain (ccTLD) and Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) model: Customized vs. Universal Approach
Country code domains like .at and .de have developed over time and are shaped by local customs and legal frameworks. The legal basis for .at domains are the "Terms and Conditions" and the registration guidelines of nic.at. In contrast, generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, and .biz are managed by registries based in the United States. This leads to notable differences between country domains and gTLDs, especially in terms of contract structures, domain durations, and termination conditions.
The launch of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) in 2013 was a great success, and will enter the next round in the coming years. All of the new endings are based on the “American” policy model stipulated by ICANN for gTLDs such as .com, .net and .org. As a result, even locals domains like .wien and .tirol differ from familiar ccTLDs like .de or .at due to different contractual relationships and cancellation processess. Additionally, many new extensions come with specific requirements for domain holders. Below are the main differences:
Origin of ccTLDs and gTLDs:
Country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) .at
Country code TLDs arose long before the foundation of ICANN, and as a result they tend to reflect local peculiarities. Which is why each country defines its own delegation rules. The following aspects need to be taken into consideration:
- national law
- government interests
- interests of the local Internet community
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
Operators of generic top-level domains have a contract with ICANN based on American law in which they engage to following certain standardised policies, regulations and administrative processes. As part of a time-consuming and expensive application process, applicants for new top-level domains must provide detailed evidence of their technical and commercial capabilities and go through a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process.
Contractual relationship:
Country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) .at
Triangular relationship: The registration of a .at domain establishes a contractual relationship between the domain holder and the registry nic.at, in addition to the contract with the registrar.
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
Waterfall model: In the case of generic TLDs, domain holders only have a contractual relationship with the registrar, who has a legal relationship with the registry (and the registry, in turn, has a contractual relationship with ICANN).
Cancellation vs. allowing to lapse:
Country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) .at
When registering a .at domain the domain holder is deemed to have accepted a continuing obligation. This means that the domain (and therefore the contract) is perpetuated until such time as the holder actively cancels it.
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
With generic TLDs the contractual relationship has a limited term, and expires automatically once the agreed term ends. This means that the domain expires on its own – unless the holder pays again and in so doing extends the contractual relationship.
Delegation rules:
Country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) .at
A .at domain can be registered by any individual or legal entity, irrespective of their nationality, place of residence, area of operations, etc.
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
Many of the new gTLDs are freely available for anyone to register while others are reserved for certain categories of user who must be able to demonstrate compliance with various criteria at registration (e.g. .versicherung only for the insurance industry, .ngo only for NGOs, etc.) The majority of brand TLDs (e.g. .bmw or .canon) are used by the companies in question themselves and are not made available externally.
Domain registration:
Country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) .at
.at domains can either be registered via nic.at partner Internet service providers (registrars) or through nic.at directly.
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
Domains can only be registered via ICANN accredited registrars or official resellers. They cannot be registered directly with the registry.