Developing .UK Policy
As a responsible registry and public benefit company, we’re continually developing .UK policy to enable a more connected, inclusive and secure world.
Our policies provide a framework of principles to ensure these values are reflected and championed in the .UK namespace.
How we develop .UK policy
We actively engage with key stakeholders across the UK and internationally to ensure our policies reflect the latest industry practices, stakeholder requirements, and the evolving threat landscape. This helps to ensure that .UK provides a platform for innovation and remains a competitive and trusted space for businesses and consumers alike.
Our Policies
Contracts & Rules
- Terms & Conditions of Domain Name Registration – The contract a registrant enters into with Nominet when they register a .UK domain name.
- .UK Registry-Registrar Agreement – The contract between Nominet and our registrars. Includes the standards and obligations we expect of our registrars when dealing with .UK domain names.
- Rules of Registration – The rules for the registration and use of domain names within the .UK domain and its sub-domains. These rules form part of our Terms & Conditions of Domain Name Registration and are part of the registrant’s contract with Nominet.
- Schools Domain Name Rules – Rules for the allocation of .sch.uk domain names to schools.
- Definitions & Interpretations – A glossary of terms used in our various contracts, policies, or Ts & Cs.
- Registrars Systems – Acceptable Use Policy (hosted on Registrar Resources) – Usage limits for users of our various registrar facilities.
Criminal Practices Policy
Applies to .UK, .Cymru and .Wales
- Criminal Practices Policy – English – How we address criminal activity in .UK, .cymru and .wales.
- Criminal Practices Policy – Welsh Translation
WHOIS
- WHOIS Contract Terms & Conditions – The terms you agree to as a WHOIS user.
- Acceptable Use Policy (hosted on Registrar Resources) – Usage limits for our .UK WHOIS tool.
- Searchable WHOIS Terms of Use – The terms you agree to as a user of our searchable WHOIS facility. The searchable WHOIS provides additional search functionality such as the use of wildcard search terms.
Privacy & Data Quality
- Data Quality Policy – How we ensure our registrars provide accurate registrant data.
- Data Release Policy – The policy setting out the circumstances under which we will disclose registrant data to third parties with legitimate need for access.
- Privacy Policy – How we collect, process and store customer and website user data.
Dispute Resolution Service
- DRS Policy October 2016 (applies on or after 1st October 2016) – The rules and procedures governing our Dispute Resolution Service, through which you can complain about someone else’s .UK domain name registration.
- DRS Policy September 2016 (applies up to and including 30th September 2016) – The rules governing our Dispute Resolution Service, through which you can complain about someone else’s .UK domain name registration.
- DRS Procedure September 2016 (applies up to and including 30th September 2016) – The procedures for making complaints and responding to complaints through our Dispute Resolution Service.
Other Policies
- Zone Files Access License Terms and Conditions – The terms and conditions for accessing the .UK Zone Files.
- Networking Peering Policy – Policy to be followed in order to peer with Nominet.
.Cymru & .Wales
Find out more about the domain names for Wales, including how to register your .cymru and .wales domain names, at ourhomeonline.wales. If you’re registering a .cymru or .wales domain name, you can read up on your rights and responsibilities on the ICANN website:
The policies and disputes process for our Welsh domains and slightly different to our .UK ones.
- Domain Name Registration Policy – English – This policy document sets out the expectations for registering and using a domain name in .cymru and .wales.
- Domain Name Registration Policy – Welsh Translation
- International Domain Name Policy & Tables
- Acceptable Use Policy
- .Cymru and .Wales Policy Statement
.UK Registry Advisory Council (UKRAC)
We created the UKRAC to give our members more a say in the policies shaping how we run .UK. The council plays an important role in helping ensure the namespace’s long term success.
The UKRAC is made up of up to six Nominet members, who the membership elects every two years (each member gets one vote). An elected Non-Executive Board Director (or other elected Council member) chairs the Council. After the two-year term is up, UKRAC members can be re-elected for up to two consecutive terms.
If you have any questions about the UKRAC, please contact UKRAC@nominet.uk.
Meet the Council
| Name | Company | Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Bennett | Netistrar Ltd | Mid-Small |
| Dan Rodgers | Domain Registrar Services Ltd | Mid-Small |
| Volker Greimann | Key-Systems GmbH | Large |
| Kieren McCarthy | N/A (Elected Non-Executive Director – Nominet UK Board) | |
| David Thornton (Chair) | Thornton | Secondary Market |
| Runako Mowatt | IONOS | Large |
| Michael Holmes | Domain Colony | Secondary Market |
UKRAC Members: Roles & Responsibilities
| Time | 4-6 half-day meetings per year + reviewing materials |
| Scope | .UK registry – see Terms of Reference |
| Legal Duties | None |
| Election Process | One member/one vote – Single Transferable Vote |
| Term Length | 2 years |
| Remuneration | £500 (per diem payment) for each formal meeting + reasonable expenses |
*UKRAC members can be re-elected for up to two consecutive two-year terms.
UKRAC: Further Resources
- Purpose & Terms of Reference – Includes details on the role of UKRAC, the election process and expectations for UKRAC members.
- Code of Conduct for Councillors – Provides guidance for members as to what may and may not be considered acceptable conduct.
- Working Group Process – Process set out where the UKRAC agrees to establish a Working Group.
- Competition Law Guidelines
Nominet members can find UKRAC meeting notes and agendas on the Member Hub. You can request an account here.
Consultations on .UK Policy
We value the insight that the wider .UK ecosystem has on our namespace, and work hard to ensure stakeholders’ voices are heard when developing .UK policy.
Before making significant changes to how .UK operates, we consult with our members, registrars and other stakeholders to understand the impact of proposals.
Participating in the .UK Policy Process
Interested in participating in the .UK policy process?
You can sign up to receive policy updates using the contact form below. You can also submit issues for consideration in future .UK policy discussions by emailing policy@nominet.uk. Alternatively, you can give us a call on +44 (0)330 236 9475.