The Verisign Registry Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Verisign Registry Agreement is an essential component of the internet infrastructure. This agreement is a contract between Verisign, the company responsible for operating the .com and .net domain name registries, and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization responsible for managing the domain name system (DNS).
The Verisign Registry Agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which Verisign operates the .com and .net registries. It ensures that Verisign adheres to the highest standards of security, stability, and reliability, and that the DNS remains a safe and efficient means of accessing information on the internet.
The latest version of the Verisign Registry Agreement was signed in October 2018 and came into effect in February 2020. Here are some of the key provisions of the agreement:
1. Price Increases
Verisign is allowed to increase the wholesale price of .com domain names by up to 7% per year in four out of the six years of the agreement. This means that the price of a .com domain name could increase from $7.85 to $13.49 by the end of the agreement in 2024. However, Verisign is required to give ICANN at least six months` notice before any price increase takes effect.
2. Security and Stability
Verisign is responsible for maintaining the security and stability of the .com and .net registries. This includes preventing unauthorized access, protecting against cyber attacks, and ensuring that the DNS is always available. Verisign must also comply with ICANN`s security standards and cooperate with law enforcement agencies if necessary.
3. Data Escrow
Verisign is required to maintain an up-to-date and complete backup of the .com and .net registries in case of system failure or other emergencies. This backup must be stored in two separate geographic locations and must be made available to ICANN upon request.
4. Compliance
Verisign must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to data protection, consumer protection, and fraud prevention. Verisign is also required to maintain accurate and complete records of domain name registrations and to cooperate with ICANN in resolving any disputes related to domain names.
In conclusion, the Verisign Registry Agreement is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure and ensures that the .com and .net registries are operated responsibly and with the highest standards of security, stability, and reliability. As an internet user, it`s important to understand the terms and conditions of this agreement and how it affects the cost and availability of domain names.
