The registry auDA has implemented new rules that apply to the registration of .au domain names (.com.au, .net.au, .org.au, and .id.au) starting April 12, 2021.
Starting on that date, new rules will apply to new registrations of these domain names as well as at the moment when you renew existing domain names. If your domain name is not in conformity, it may be removed by the registry.
Please see the new rules below:
- Changes for .com.au and .net.au domain names
- Changes for .org.au domain names
- Changes for .id.au domain names
- Prohibition on leasing or selling .au domain names or subdomains
Changes for .com.au and .net.au domain names
If an Australian trademark is used to satisfy local presence requiements in Australia, the domain name must correspond exactly to the name of the trademark (excluding domain endings like .com.au, punctuation marks, and articles like ‘a’, ‘the’, ‘and’, or ‘of’ and ampersands).
If your domain name doesn’t meet this new rule, there are two options for you to remain eligible to register your domain name:
- change the basis of your claim to local presence in Australia
- register the exact trademark registered in Australia
Read a summary of changes for .com.au and .net.au domain names here.
Changes for .org.au domain names
Associations that are not registered are no longer eligible except for those listed in the official Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) registry.
In order to maintain your eligibility, your non-registered association should, in one way or another, meet the definition of a non-profit organization as outlined in the new rules.
Find a summary of changes for non-registered associations here.
Changes for .id.au domain names
As of the end of 2021, .id.au domain names can no longer be registered with reference to a personal interest or hobby.
Once the new rules for .id.au domain names are in place, it will no longer be possible to renew a .id.au domain name linked to a hobby or interest.
Find the summary of changes for .id.au domain names here.
Prohibition on leasing or selling .au domain names or subdomains
The new rules prohibit leasing or confering any license to use your .au domain name to a third party.
It is also prohibited to sell, rent, or confer the right to use any subdomain to a third party.
Find a summary of all the updates made to the domain name use and management policy here.
Please feel free to visit the registy’s website to learn more about these new rules.
If you need to bring yourself into compliance with the new rules or if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your Account Manager or our Corporate Services team at corporatecontact@gandi.net.
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