: NetSol finds new way to obstruct domain transfers

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

___

Dave Farber  +1 412 726 9889



...... Forwarded Message .......
From: Zefram <zefram () fysh org>
To: dave () farber net
Date: Thu, 09 Sep 2004 18:01:11 +0100
Subj: NetSol finds new way to obstruct domain transfers

Interesting new policy from NetSol.  They've been known in the past
to make transferring domains away from them difficult by demanding
confirmation within an infeasibly small time window.  (I had one domain
with them and had no difficulty transferring it away by this mechanism,
but many people have reported problems that coerced them into renewing
with NetSol for additional years.)  As I read the below memo, ICANN
is now prohibiting this practice, so they're instead doing it upfront,
by invoking their "Domain Protect" option that prevents transfers.

Looks to me to be a mixed result.  Since the "Domain Protect" setting is
out in the open and can be switched off at user request, it should make
transferring away from NetSol easier than it has been, provided that they
do in practice honour such requests.  (Anyone have experience of this?)
However, they're turning this option on without customer request, imposing
a barrier to transfers that is similar to, albeit more tractable than,
the one they imposed before.  The note in the final paragraph that they
reserve the right to toggle the "Domain Protect" option for customers,
is ominous.

I'd like to see analysis from someone with more specialised knowledge.

> From: "Network Solutions Partner Program" 
<partnerprogram () networksolutions com>
> To: (a domain hosting company)
> Subject:  Important Notice Regarding Your Wholesale Account
>
> Dear Valued Partner:
>
> As you may be aware, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and
> Numbers (ICANN) has mandated a policy change to the current domain name
> transfer process for all accredited domain name service providers. The
> new policy prohibits us from denying a transfer of a domain name if the
> customer does not confirm their intent to transfer from us. Naturally,
> we are concerned about an increase in domain name "slamming" and
> unauthorized transfer requests on customers' domain name(s).
>
> Network Solutions is aware that end-customers often accidentally
> authorize transactions because of confusing marketing messages. We are
> concerned that the new ICANN policy places your end-customers at greater
> risk of unauthorized transfers. We are committed to protecting you and
> your end-customers against accidental or unauthorized domain name
> transfers.
>
> Effective 18 October 2004, we will be turning the Domain Protect
> security feature "On" for domain name registrations in your wholesale
> accounts, except those you have intentionally turned off, as a
> protective measure. Our Domain Protect feature protects you and your
> customers by preventing domain name transfers until you turn the feature
> "Off". This step allows you to control the "transferability" of your
> domain names, and provides protection against "domain hijackers."
>
> How will Domain Protect prevent unauthorized transfers?
> While your domain name is secure with Network Solutions today, this
> feature provides you with an additional level of protection.
>
> When turned on, Domain Protect will "lock" the domain name registration
> at the Registry and prevent any domain name transfer from occurring.
> Domain Protect provides protection from "domain hijackers" or others who
> may attempt to authorize a transfer of your end-customer's domain name
> registration to another registrar.
>
> To transfer a domain name to another Registrar, you must first turn
> Domain Protect "Off" for your end-customer. This step allows you and
> your end-customers to control the "transferability" of the customer's
> domain names.
>
> Will this apply to all domain name registrations?
> The Domain Protect feature is available for the following TLDs: .com,
> .net, .org, .info, .biz, .tv, .cc, .bz, .name, and .us.  Also, if you
> intentionally turned Domain Protect off, we will not turn this feature
> "On". With the new ICANN transfer policy taking effect, you may wish to
> turn Domain Protect back "On" to prevent fraudulent transfer of domain
> names from your customer accounts.
>
> Will I still be able to modify the domain name?
> Yes, you can still renew domain name registrations, perform legal name
> changes, and modify DNS information.
>
> How do I turn Domain Protect "On" or "Off"?
> You can modify this feature through the Manage Domains tab in the
> Partner Portal. For more detail, visit our Help pages at
> https://partners.networksolutions.com/en_US/help/how-to/domain-protect-t
> oggle.html.
>
> You may also modify Domain Protect through the Network Solutions Partner
> Protocol (XML-API) Version 3.4 or later.
>
> Please be sure to inform end-customers of the new transfer procedures
> related to Domain Protect. As mentioned in our Service Agreement,
> Network Solutions reserves the right to turn Domain Protect "On" or
> "Off" as circumstances may require. If you have any questions or
> concerns, please contact your Partner Support Team or send an e-mail to
> premiersupport () networksolutions com.
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Network Solutions(r) Partner Program
>
>
> (c) 2004 Network Solutions, LLC.  All Rights Reserved.

-zefram
-- 
Andrew Main <zefram () fysh org>

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