What is Nominet

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A. Nominet UK is the registry for all .uk Internet domain names.

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Q. Is it a regulatory body for the Internet domain names in the UK

A. No, it just maintains a database of .uk domain names, but it has been in the news of late because it has formulated a Code of Practice to regulate the UK domain name industry.

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Q. Why do we need a self-imposed Code of Practice

A. With an ever increasing number of people now providing domain name registration services, the market has become complex and there is often a great deal of consumer confusion and misunderstanding about costs and services provided. In response to demands from both the general public and industry for higher standards in domain name registration services, Nominet has embarked on a Code of Practice. It is also believed that if the industry does not impose standards itself; the government will step in and impose more restrictive guidelines.

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Q. So what has Nominet done to help create this Code of Practice

A. It has funded an independent body - the Internet Names Code of Practice (INCOP) which is in the process of setting up a regulatory Code of Practice for the industry. It is believed that INCOP will set up a voluntary system whereby it will award a quality mark to any registrar that fulfils its basic requirements for example it provides clear terms and conditions on a website, clear contracts etc.

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There is some controversy surrounding the INCOP initiatives, as many people believe it does not go far enough in regulating domain name registrars and many rogue companies are giving the rest of the industry a bad name; while others think they should butt out completely and not get involved -that the Internet should remain unregulated.

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Q. So what does the Code of Practice cover

A. It is still being developed, but its main objectives include the following:

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� to enable businesses and consumers to make

informed choices when selecting domain name registration services

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� to encourage the provision of clear information about services provided and the associated charges

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� to instigate self-regulation rather than having regulation imposed by government

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� to promote good practices in domain name registration and improve the image of the industry.

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Q. How will the cost of running and implementing a Code of Practice be maintained

A. Funding has yet to be agreed but it is believed that the administering of a Code of Practice together with accrediting members and dealing with complaints should be paid for through a membership fee.

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So far, most Nominet members say they are, in principle, prepared to pay a fee towards the funding of an accreditation body, though the level of fee varies. Whilst some argue that paying for an accreditation body makes them less competitive than those who do not sign up, others believe that fees can be justified by the fact that accreditation will lead to more business and a better image for the industry. The argument against this method of funding, is that the accreditation body could be seen to lack independence and objectivity, being less likely to criticise those funding its existence.

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It is believed that fees will be attained from one or more of the following means: flat membership fee, a fee related to the number of domain names registered, a fee related to turnover or a fee made from voluntary selection from a number of fee bands.

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Q. How will compliance to a Code of Practice be monitored

A. Compliance with the approved Code of Practice will be a condition of accreditation or membership of INCOP and it is envisaged that a check will be made by INCOP staff prior to initial accreditation or renewal. Once it has been demonstrated that an applicant is complying with the code the quality mark will be awarded.

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Q. But do companies follow codes of practice and do consumers usually know about them

A. It is a chicken and egg situation - in that consumers don't always know about industry codes of practice and because of this many companies do flaunt them because there is rarely a come back from the consumer. The Government's Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has indeed identified a lack of consumer confidence in Codes of Practices to deliver quality and resolve complaints. To this end the OFT has set up a set of guidelines in drawing up a code of practice and provides advice on monitoring, implementing and maintaining them - including tips on what to do if they are not followed. INCOP has followed the OFT's guidelines in setting up its Code of Practice. More info on the OFT scheme is available online at: www.oft.gov.uk/html/new/codes.htm.

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By Karen Anderson