Internet licensing regulations

Monday, 23 November 2009 11:04

Clamps down on Internet service providers

Since the inception of the .za name space in the late 1990s, various role-players have registered their .za names and administered .za databases, however, they have never really been given the recognition of being a strong role-player in how these names are controlled and administered.

The .za Domain Name Authority (.ZA DNA) has released new licensing regulations for public scrutiny which are set to safeguard Internet users from unethical practices. The regulations are twofold, covering the licensing of the registrar and the registries themselves.

General manager of .ZA DNA Vika Mapisane stated that in the past, .ZA DNA had received formal complaints against certain Internet service providers (ISPs) that had registered clients' domain names as their own. When the client wanted to change the servicer provider using the same name, they found they were not able to, as the ISP had registered the name as property of the ISP – which is unethical practice.

While there are some cases whereby the ISP has used this cause of action and has legitimate reasons for doing so, for the most part, domain users have generally been unaware of the ISP registering the clients' domain name as the ISP's own.

The .ZA DNA will be holding a workshop consisting of stakeholders and the various interested parties, with the aim of creating a discussion around the regulations and where the interested parties are given a chance to ask questions relating to these new licensing regulations.

The deadline for written submissions will close on 18 December, after which the .ZA DNA will finalise its draft of the new licensing regulations, which will then be put forward to the Minister of Communications for approval in terms of the Electronic and Communications Act of 2002.

Feel more at ease

The aim of the registrar regulations is to ensure that only ISPs licensed by .ZA DNA will be allowed to register their domain names. These licenses should then be able to help build the necessary confidence in those parties interested in registering their domain names, as the ISPs who register these names will be accountable to the .ZA DNA.

The .ZA DNA is taking the new legislation very seriously and has the power to take away registrar's licences, barring them from any further .za domain name registration if any illegal or unethical practices take place.

The registries are responsible for maintaining and managing the database in a particular domain, so that when registrars register the domain names, they work in accordance with the requirements of the registry.

This is critical to improving the .za namespace so as to have set registry standards.

Registry licensing will allow .ZA DNA to ensure that all .za registries comply with the set standard. For example, ensuring there are no duplicates of domain names through a query process.

It will also be required of registries to automate their registration processes in order to speed up the process, which will see .za operating on a level that is equal to that of overseas domains.

.ZA DNA plans to establish a central registry for licences in 2010.

Public consultation
Submissions can be e-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or faxed to +27 11 234 5022 or to 086 688 7109.
Queries may be directed to Vika Mpisane by telephone to +27 11 275 0082, via e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by the above-mentioned fax numbers.
(Issued by Dlamini Weil Communications on behalf of .ZA Domain Authority. For more information contact Peter Feldman on 082 6006568)

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