The Communiqué Amending the Internet Domain Names Communiqué was published in the Official Gazette on June 10, 2023. It introduces a number of amendments to the existing regulations on internet domain names in Turkey.
Some of the key changes include:
* The abolition of the auction system for the allocation of new domain names. Instead, all new domain names will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
* The removal of the requirement for trademark owners to obtain a license from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) in order to register a domain name that includes their trademark.
* The introduction of new rules for the storage of domain names. Domain registrars will now be required to store domain names in Turkey, and they will be liable for any damages caused by the loss or corruption of domain names.
* The strengthening of the sanctions that can be imposed on domain registrars that violate the regulations.
The amendments are intended to make the Turkish domain name registration system more efficient and transparent. They are also expected to reduce the cost of registering a domain name in Turkey.
Here is a more detailed summary of the amendments:
* *Abolition of the auction system:* Under the previous regulations, new domain names were allocated through an auction system. This system was often criticized for being unfair and inefficient. The new regulations abolish the auction system and replace it with a first-come, first-served system. This is expected to make the allocation of new domain names more transparent and efficient.
* *Removal of the trademark license requirement:* Under the previous regulations, trademark owners were required to obtain a license from the ICTA in order to register a domain name that included their trademark. This requirement was often seen as a barrier to entry for small businesses and startups. The new regulations remove this requirement, making it easier for trademark owners to register domain names that include their trademarks.
* *New rules for the storage of domain names:* Under the new regulations, domain registrars will be required to store domain names in Turkey. This is intended to ensure that domain names are always accessible to their owners. Domain registrars will also be liable for any damages caused by the loss or corruption of domain names.
* *Strengthening of sanctions:* The new regulations strengthen the sanctions that can be imposed on domain registrars that violate the regulations. This is intended to deter domain registrars from engaging in fraudulent or unethical practices.
The amendments to the Internet Domain Names Communiqué are a significant change to the Turkish domain name registration system. They are expected to make the system more efficient, transparent, and accessible to businesses and individuals.