Information About the .AU Domain Zone

Overview of the .au Domain Zone

The .au domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Australia. It is primarily intended for entities associated with Australia, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. The .au domain serves as a digital identity for Australian residents and companies, facilitating local online presence and recognition.

Historical Context

The .au domain was established in 1986, shortly after the introduction of the Domain Name System (DNS). It was created to provide a dedicated namespace for Australian entities on the internet. The initiative was led by the Australian National University (ANU), which was responsible for managing the domain until 1999.

Administration

Today, the .au domain is managed by .au Domain Administration Limited (auDA), a not-for-profit organization that oversees the registration and administration of .au domains. auDA operates under the guidance of the Australian Government and is responsible for ensuring compliance with national and international policies regarding domain registration and management.

Registration Policy

Registration of .au domains is open to a variety of applicants, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. However, there are specific eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must have a connection to Australia, such as being an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered business.
• There are no restrictions on the type of entity that can register a domain, but they must provide valid identification and proof of their Australian connection.

The procedure for obtaining a .au domain typically involves the following steps:

1. Select a domain name that is available for registration.
2. Choose an accredited registrar to facilitate the registration process.
3. Provide necessary documentation and complete the registration form.
4. Pay the registration fee to finalize the process.

Technical Parameters

The .au domain zone supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for the use of non-Latin characters. The following technical parameters apply to .au domains:

• The maximum length for domain names is 63 characters.
• Allowed characters include letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-), but domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
• DNS services for .au domains are managed by various accredited registrars, ensuring reliable name resolution and availability.

Reputation and Security

Like many domain zones, .au has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. To combat these issues, auDA has implemented several security measures:

• DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) are supported to enhance the security of domain name resolution.
• There are mechanisms for reporting and addressing complaints related to domain abuse, allowing for the suspension or removal of malicious domains.

Commercial Metrics

The .au domain zone has seen significant growth in the number of registered domains over the years. As of October 2023, there are over 3 million registered .au domains, reflecting a strong demand for Australian online presence.

The cost of registering and renewing a .au domain varies by registrar, but it typically ranges from AUD 10 to AUD 50 per year. Premium domains, which are considered highly desirable due to their short length or keyword relevance, may incur higher registration fees.

Conclusion

The .au domain zone plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the online identity of Australian entities. With a robust administrative framework, clear registration policies, and ongoing efforts to enhance security, .au remains a trusted and valuable resource for individuals and businesses in Australia.