Our Policies

Since 1996 Nominet has operated at the heart of the UK’s internet community as the .UK domain name registry.

We believe in a world that is connected, inclusive and secure. Our policies provide the framework of principles which ensure this ambition is reflected in the .UK namespace.

• How we develop policy
• Domain support and FAQs
• Detailed information for Registrars

Contracts and rules

• Terms & Conditions of Domain Name Registration – The contract a Registrant enters into with Nominet when they register a .UK domain name.
• .UK Registry-Registrar Agreement – The contract between Nominet and our Registrars. Includes the standards and obligations we expect of our Registrars when dealing with .UK domain names.
• Rules of Registration – The rules for the registration and use of domain names within the .UK domain and its sub-domains. These rules form part of our Terms & Conditions of Domain Name Registration and are part of the Registrant’s contract with Nominet.
• Schools Domain Name Rules – Rules for the allocation of .sch.uk domain names to schools.
• Definitions & Interpretations – A glossary of terms used in our various contracts, policies, or Ts & Cs.
• Registrar Systems – Acceptable Use Policy Usage limits for users of our various Registrar facilities.

Criminal activity

• Criminal Practices Policy – How we address criminal activity in .UK, .cymru and .wales. This policy is also available in Welsh.

WHOIS

As part of our service we maintain a directory called ‘WHOIS’ – an official listing of the full details of all .UK domain names.

• WHOIS Contract Terms – The terms you agree to as a WHOIS user.
• Acceptable Use Policy – Usage limits for our .UK WHOIS tool.
• Searchable WHOIS Terms of Use – The terms you agree to as a user of our searchable WHOIS facility. The searchable WHOIS provides additional search functionality such as the use of wildcard search terms.

Privacy & data quality

• Data Quality Policy – How we ensure our Registrars provide accurate Registrant data.
• Data Release Policy – The policy setting out the circumstances under which we will disclose Registrant data to third parties with a legitimate need for access.
• Privacy Policy – How we collect, process, and store customer and website user data.

Dispute Resolution Service

• DRS Policy Applies on or after 1st October 2016 – The rules and procedures governing our Dispute Resolution Service, through which you can complain about someone else’s .UK domain name registration.
• DRS Policy Applies up to and including 30th September 2016 – The rules governing our Dispute Resolution Service, through which you can complain about someone else’s .UK domain name registration.
• DRS Procedure Applies up to and including 30th September 2016 – The procedures for making complaints and responding to complaints through our Dispute Resolution Service

Other policies

• Zone Files Access Licence – The terms and conditions for accessing the .UK Zone Files.
• Network Peering Policy – Policy to be followed in order to peer with Nominet.

.Cymru and .Wales

• Domain Name Registration Policy for .Cymru and .Wales – This policy document sets out the expectations for registering and using a domain name in .cymru and .wales. This policy is also available in Welsh.
• International domain names policy & tables
• Acceptable Use Policy
• .cymru and .wales Policy Statement