In a move aimed at streamlining the management of Vietnam’s national domain names, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MOIC) has introduced a draft decree outlining several key provisions related to the registration and usage of “.vn” domain names.
These proposed regulations, if enacted, would bring about significant changes in the process of domain name registration, ownership, and potential revocation. Here’s a closer look at the proposed measures:
Name Changes for Registrants
Organizations and individuals would have the option to request changes to the names of registrants for “.vn” domain names. This flexibility is deemed necessary, especially in cases involving donation, capital contribution, or inheritance of domain name rights.
The draft decree stipulates various scenarios under which changes to the registrant’s name would be permissible. These include changes due to alterations in the registrant’s legal name, corporate restructurings such as division, splitting, merger, or consolidation, as well as changes resulting from reorganization, M&A, or conversion of functions between parent and subsidiary companies.
Revocation Criteria
The proposed regulations outline specific circumstances under which “.vn” domain names may be revoked. These include instances where the domain name is utilized to oppose the State, infringe upon national security, or violate the law. Additionally, failure to pay maintenance charges could also lead to revocation.
Before revoking any “.vn” domain names, the MOIC would be required to provide advance notification to the concerned organizations and individuals. This notification process would involve direct communication as well as through mass media, text messages, and websites, ensuring transparency and giving stakeholders enough time to address any issues.
Compensation Mechanism
Organizations and individuals facing revocation of their “.vn” domain names would be eligible for compensation, to be funded by the state budget. The level of compensation would vary depending on the circumstances of the domain name allocation. For directly allocated or granted domain names, compensation would be based on the remaining maintenance charge amount. In cases where domain names were obtained through auctions, compensation would be equivalent to the winning bid.
The proposed regulations by the MOIC signify an effort to enhance the management and oversight of Vietnam’s national domain names. By allowing for greater flexibility in registrant name changes and establishing clear criteria for revocation, the draft decree aims to ensure the integrity and security of the “.vn” domain space.
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