.BIZ Transfer Policy
We were notified by NeuLevel, Inc. (the .BIZ registry) that all .BIZ transfers would be frozen for 30-60 days. Please read the letter that we have received below:
Dear Registrar Partner,
We have recently received numerous questions and comments from registrars on the issue of domain transfers between registrars, and we want to begin a dialogue with you on the transfer-related challenges facing our industry.
It is NeuLevel's belief that there is currently no acceptable method for transferring domain names in the existing gTLD space that accomplishes the goal of portability of domain names while at the same time preventing abuses such as "slamming." As most of you are aware, and as has been extensively documented, there are significant problems in the .com, .net and .org TLD space with how transfers of domain names occur, not the least of which is the challenge of establishing apparent authority. The current situation is not only confusing for registrars, but also to the ultimate consumer.
We also understand that many registrars are just now becoming familiar with the capabilities and functionality of the "auth-info" tokens provided by the so-called "thick registries" including .biz and .info. However, overall knowledge of the thick registry transfer process, particularly at the Registrant level, is still minimal or non-existent.
Some of the problems that have come to our attention include (a) that some Registrars are generating blanket (common) tokens for all domain name registrants; (b) other registrars are not providing tokens to their customers at all; (c) registrants are neither requesting tokens nor do they have an adequate understanding about the need or use for tokens. Finally, there do not yet exist secure and efficient systems for token retrieval (re-issuance) in cases where a token is lost or stolen.
The net result is that few unique, secure and valid tokens are getting into the hands of registrants, and hence to potential gaining Registrars. While this is not the result of bad faith or bad practice by Registrars, it is currently causing a gap in the education of the Registrar community and with our ultimate consumers, the Registrants. The industry and end-user population have simply not been educated in the proper use of "auth-info" tokens. This is the fault and responsibility of NeuLevel as much as anyone. We feel that it is both our responsibility and obligation to ensure that systems for the proper issue, storage and processing of tokens are institutionalized within the industry.
We do not believe there is currently a working transfer model in the gTLD industry. If we implement .BIZ transfers now we expect we would contribute to industry problems rather than fixing them. Therefore, we intend to freeze .BIZ transfers for a period of 30 to 60 days and engage in a program of channel/user education regarding transfers with tokens. In this program we will work with you to create systems and awareness for the issue, storage and processing of secure, unique, valid tokens. We do not believe this is an insurmountable task. We are at fault for not initiating it sooner, and we want to advance this dialogue with you for the betterment of our industry practices and for the enhancement of the end-user experience.
In addition, during this period, we also intend to discuss with each of you the merits and flaws of a system that recognizes a five (5) day ACK/NACK in a system that already provides for reliable, authorized transfers by using a valid token. With your collaboration we will look to stimulating industry debate on the merits of instantaneous transfer (in the presence of a valid token). We believe this is an achievable and desirable position, when we have all institutionalized the proper management of tokens.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and contribution to this dialogue.
Sincerely,
NeuLevel, Inc.