Aussies are famous for making it short and sweet. Soon we could make our URLs shorter and snappier too.
Instead of .com.au, auDA is considering introducing the option to register a domain name with just .au
Find out how this may work and let us know what you think.
6. Would businesses be forced to register in .au if they already have .com.au or .net.au?
No one would be forced to register in .au. Direct registration is all about offering more choice. The existing name spaces .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, asn.au, .id.au, edu.au, and gov.au will continue to be available for new and continuing licence holders.
7. Where do I get further information?
For further information please click here
1. Why are we considering doing this?
Half of small businesses in Australia do not have an online presence. That is because there are many small businesses and individuals who cannot get or do not qualify for a .com.au name. We want to make it easier for small businesses, individuals, and other Australian organisations to get domain names within the .au namespace, whilst continuing to maintain the high standards to qualify for a .com.au domain name.
2. Who could be eligible for .au?
We are considering that to register a domain name ending in .au, you must have an Australian presence and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an entity under Australian law such as a registered business. In other words, you must have an Australian presence.
3. Who would get first dibs on .au domains?
Any current domain licence holder could have the opportunity to apply for a .au domain name that matches their existing name (e.g auDA.org.au can apply for auDA.au, and forexample.net.au can apply for forexample.au) during the first 6 months after launch. If more than one current licence holder wants to register the same name, we are considering a process that takes into account the creation date for determining who will be able to register that name. See auDA for more information.
4. What .au domain name could I have?
If implemented, you will be able to have any name you like as long as you satisfy the Australian presence requirements and it is not illegal or already taken.
5. Why not give the .au to the owner of the .com.au equivalent?
The proposed policy reflects that the owner of a .com.au should not have more rights than the owner of a .gov.au, .org.au, .net.au or .id.au. The .au domain space is available for all Australians; it is not confined to just businesses as .com.au is. The sentiment is that a business should not have preference over a charity, educational institution or individual for example.
1. Why are we considering doing this?
Half of small businesses in Australia do not have an online presence. That is because there are many small businesses and individuals who cannot get or do not qualify for a .com.au name. We want to make it easier for small businesses, individuals, and other Australian organisations to get domain names within the .au namespace, whilst continuing to maintain the high standards to qualify for a .com.au domain name.
