The computing services section of UCD is to divest itself of its role as central registration service in Ireland for the .IE Internet domain name (IEDR).
The move stems from fears within the college that widespread demands for a change in registration policy will leave the IEDR vulnerable to legal challenges. It now seems likely that the registration function will no longer be directly linked to the college.
Domain names are used in Internet addresses (URLs) to identify Web pages. For example, in the The Irish Times Web site address, http://www.irish-times.com, the domain name is irish-times.com. The top-level Internet domain name for Ireland is .IE, and has been administered as a public service by a hostmaster team at UCD Computing Services since 1991.
Over the next month the first steps in establishing a new domain registration body will be taken, with interested parties invited to nominate panelists for a working group by close-of-business today.
The working group will initially review the one-domain-per-holder policy which ensures an Internet presence in the .IE domain once certain requirements are met. Rapid Internet growth has led to increased demand for a change in this policy as it is viewed by some as an unnecessary restriction on innovation. It has also been viewed as an obstacle to the use of Internet domain names for branding purposes, where companies may require several domain names.
Mr Niall O'Reilly, manager of .IE Domain Registry said: "It is clear that a way forward is required which not only addresses the demand for relaxation of the one-domain-per-holder policy, but also takes account of the risks involved and the need for continued responsible management of the .IE domain supported by industry consensus."
Risks can arise with multiple domain names because the scope is widened for abuse, in particular "cyber squatting". This happens when people with no connection to a domain name register something like pringle.ie, and when the Pringle company comes along to register, a row can develop over ownership of the title.
UCD feels this puts the college at risk because IEDR is an integral part of UCD, and if a legal wrangle ensues, UCD may be found to have given out a domain name for the wrong reasons and end up in an expensive legal process.
Because the registration process was developed and is based at UCD, Mr O'Reilly says it lacks formal participation from the Internet industry and leaves UCD unnecessarily vulnerable. Demand for relaxation of the "one-domain-per-holder" policy has grown. "Such relaxation is perceived, although not universally, as involving increased risks, and the need for additional protection against these has been voiced," says Mr O'Reilly.
In the longer term, the working group will work, in consultation with industry experts, to create an organisation which will take over from the IEDR's function. Mr O'Reilly envisages this will be an independent legal entity, with the college retaining nomination rights for one or more of the members. The business will be largely accountable to Internet service providers.
The new working group will initially be expected to make a recommendation to change the regulations of the IEDR in order to address the one-domain-per-holder issue. Its work will culminate in a report submitted to the IEDR early next year. The group will be comprised of parties directly linked to the domain name area, including representatives from Internet service providers, the Irish Internet Association, trade, press and Government agencies.
The one-domain-per-holder policy originally matched that of many well-established domain registries in Europe. Some of these have since relaxed their policy to allow multiple domain registrations to a single domain-holder.