November 26, 2014
Registrants of .AU domain names should check to ensure the contact and other crucial details on the domain record are up to date and accurate - or potentially risk losing their name.
The importance of this was highlight recently when a high profile Australian domain name went up for auction; apparently as a result of having invalid registrant information.
According to this article on Qntra.net, while the auDA (the body overseeing the .AU registry) do not actively check if registrant information is current and correct, some Australian domainers look for premium domains that have incorrect or expired registrant details such as an expired ABN; then lodge a complaint with auDA.
If the auDA then cancel the domain, the domainer then bids on it via a drop catch service; often at a lesser price than what the original registrant may have been wanting - that is, assuming they wanted to sell the domain.
Keeping domain name registrant contact details up-to-date is a very important aspect of controlling a domain, but one that is easily overlooked; particularly for small business owners distracted by many other tasks.
In addition to correct details being a mandatory requirement under auDA policy; the record is also utilised by registrars to communicate important messages to registrants. An example is the record's email address that is used to notify the registrant of the need to renew the registration of the domain.
If registration lapses, the domain will eventually become inactive and then expire. Once expired, others may register the name - and competition may be fierce if the site associated with the domain name is well established and experiences significant traffic.
The registrant email address on a record is also used to transmit passwords. If a registrant forgets their password and the email address is not current or incorrect; regaining access can be quite time consuming as additional security procedures will need to be followed.
Related: How to check and update your domain record.
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AUSTRALIAN OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1996
1300 863 436