NEW PUBLIC ORDER / DECENCY DOMAIN NAME CONTROLS

6th December, 2002

Following the liberalisation of the Dutch country code top level domain .nl (see: Netherlands Domain Authority to de-restrict .nl) in September, the independent body charged with overseeing their dispute policy has published its new rules and regulations. 

The College voor Klachten en Beroep (CvKB) was set up to operate independently of the Dutch naming authority Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland (SIDN) and was formed to handle appeals and complaints relating to domain name disputes. Their brand new web site has a whole wealth of information about the new rules and regulations - which appear to fairly consistent with comparable ccTLD rules such as those of the UK naming authority Nominet. 

However, there is one section that appears to be slightly unusual, in that CvKB allows any party to file a complaint against any domain that a party considers to be "inconsistent with public order or decency". The CvKB notes that:

The Foundation deems it desirable to keep open the option of refusing certain domain names based on the fact that they are contrary to public order or good morals, such as racist or discriminating domain names.

The rules state that where complaints are upheld the domain name in question "will be excluded from further registration by the Foundation". There is no appeal against such decisions. It is believed that this is the first time such regulations have been incorporated in a top level domain's terms and conditions. 

Details at: http://www.demys.net/news/02_dec_06_cvkb.htm