Update on the Introduction of Second Level Registrations and the new .au Licensing Rules

Posted by auDA on 21 August 2019

Dear Associate Members

I am writing to update you on when we will implement direct registration at the second level of .au, and introduce new licensing rules that will apply to all Australian name spaces.

As you know, direct registration will extend to more users the many benefits of using a .au domain name.

While we had previously estimated direct registration and changes to the licensing rules would be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2019, it is critically important that the changes are widely understood, backed by an education program and supported by robust business processes throughout industry. It is also essential that these changes are implemented in a way that minimises imposts on business and avoids unintended consequences.

For these reasons, the auDA Board has this week decided to conduct an additional three-month long public consultation aimed at promoting awareness among new audiences, sharing more widely our plans to simplify the licence rules, and thoroughly understand and avoid any potential implementation issues. During this three-month period we will also take the opportunity to partner with industry to further test software changes, improve complaint processes and work with registrars to efficiently check the eligibility of applicants.

The outcome of this public consultation, together with a summary of technical and process improvements, will be considered by the auDA Board in late 2019 or early 2020, after new governance arrangements have been implemented and the reconstituted auDA Board is in place. This means that the launch of direct registration and changes to licensing rules are now likely to occur in the first half of 2020.

While the introduction of direct registration at the second level of .au and changes to licensing rules will be delayed, we remain committed to their delivery and look forward to providing you with further updates as we progress towards implementation.

The auDA Board takes its responsibilities very seriously and is committed to best-practice levels of transparency, accountability and consultation in overseeing the operation and management framework for the .au domain. The minutes of our meeting will be posted on the auDA website once they are approved at the next Board meeting, in line with the organisation’s standard practice.

Yours sincerely,

Suzanne Ewart
Chair, .au Domain Administration Ltd