Nov 11, 2004, by Tom Brown:
(Note: This does not apply to .CA domains, and probably not to most (any?) other country code domains.)
ICANN has introduced some
new rules regarding domain transfers. The rule that is causing some concern is one which stipulates that the registrar losing
the domain name is not allowed to deny a transfer request "by default".
This rule was implemented because many registrars had "transfer away" policies which were confusing or nonsensical. I believe it is the
same group of registrars which is raising all the fuss about the new rules, and I am not sympathetic.
There has always been an obligation on the new registrar to authenticate a transfer request. The new rules formalize the
acceptable methods for authentication, and provide penalties and remedies for transfers which are submitted without proper
authorization. This should shutdown organizations which specialize in domain
slamming. (In my opinion the Domain
Registry of Canada was a classic example.)
For those who are concerned about possible bogus transfers, most registrars allow you to mark your domains as "locked". This will deny
registrar transfers automatically. In effect it allows the domain owner to specify a "default deny" policy.
For domains registered through baremetal.com, "locking" can be done by following the 'manage domain' link on our homepage.
Thank you for your attention, I hope this helps address some people's fears.
-Tom Brown, President, BareMetal.com Inc. (Nov 11, 2004)
Follow ups and supporting information:
I'll quote part of a 'Live Reseller Update' from OpenSRS/Tucows (nov 11, 2004):
Contrary to some reports, this new transfer functionality will reduce
fraudulent transfers by requiring all Registrars to obtain explicit
approval from domain owners before initiating a transfer. The new
ICANN policy is similar to the one Tucows has been using for several
years.
Perhaps we should also point out, that the only "new" thing about
these rules, which were published back in July (see the 'new rules'
link above) and formulated earlier, is that they are finally coming
into effect (Nov 12, 2004). One would think that if this was a
legit issue, folks raising a fuss would have started doing that back in July!
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