ICANN is the body responsible for the internet's domain naming system. From 12th November, its new Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy allows a domain name holder to request a transfer from the registrar to which he wishes to transfer his domain.
That registrar, known as the Gaining Registrar, will then issue a standard form on which the holder must confirm the request if the transfer is to go ahead. The Losing Registrar may also seek confirmation on a separate form.
Registrars are entitled to refuse the transfer, but only for a set number of reasons, such as fraud, court order or in the event of a dispute action over ownership of the domain name. In addition, transfers may not take place for 60 days after the holder first registers the domain, or within 60 days after an earlier transfer.
The policy also includes a dispute resolution mechanism for violations occurring on or after 12th November, and a means by which transfers can be 'undone' – where, for example, the transfer has been made in error.
In order to run, the system registrars will be required to provide a private e-mail address for use only by other registrars and the registry in transfer issues, said ICANN, which is in the middle of its annual conference this week. Responses to all e-mail received at that address must be made within seven calendar days.