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.co.uk - making an even better place?

Nominet consults on a significant development for the UK internet

Nominet, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for running the .uk infrastructure, has launched a consultation on the introduction of a new service which, if approved, would herald a significant change for the .uk domain name space.

The proposed new service, called Direct.uk, is aimed at businesses and would potentially offer shorter domain names registered at the second level (i.e. www.yourbusiness.uk) as well as a comprehensive package of security features.

If approved, Nominet says the new service would be made available in addition to the existing .uk services such as .co.uk and .org.uk.

Key proposed features of the new service, and areas of focus for the consultation include:

• Enhanced security capabilities, including routine monitoring and notification of viruses and malware.
• A digital signature known as DNSSEC which minimises the risks of a domain name being hijacked.
• A verified UK presence in order to be eligible for the new domains.

Nominet believe the proposals have the potential to reduce the risk of fraud and cybercrime, while also offering extra reassurance for consumers that a business with a .uk domain name has a verified UK presence.

The consultation is open until 7 January 2013. The full consultation document, questions for response and details of how to respond are available at www.nominet.org.uk/go/directuk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Brunnen .