OWNERS of domain names should not be pressured into staying with the same Internet service provider when their domain name comes up for registration, says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The administration of the Australian domain name system is in transition from .au DNS to .auDA (.au Domain Administration).
Domain names must be re-licensed every two years and notification normally comes from the original supplier before the registration of the domain name is due to expire.
But other Internet service providers can tout for the business.
“Confidence in domain name licence registration is critical to the development of e-commerce, “ says ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels.
“As competition develops in this sector, business and individuals need to make sure they understand how the registration system works and how to choose the offer that best suits their needs.
“A number of companies are now offering domain name renewal services in the .com.au space which may lead to confusion among consumers.”
He warned domain name renewal services that mislead customers as to their need to renew their domain name licence with a particular supplier could break Part V of the Trade Practices Act.
A list of registrars is available at www.auda.net.au or contact .auDA direct.
