The ICANN registrar accreditation agreement is an essential aspect of the internet infrastructure that governs the registration and management of domain names. ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is responsible for the global coordination of the domain name system (DNS) and IP address allocation.
The registrar accreditation agreement (RAA) is a contract that ICANN enters into with domain name registrars. This agreement sets out the rights and obligations of the registrar, including the requirements for maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information for domain registrants.
Under the RAA, registrars are required to operate their businesses in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ICANN policies. They must also provide domain name owners with access to information about their domain names, including the registrar`s contact information and expiration date.
In addition to these requirements, the RAA also sets out specific mandatory provisions that all registrars must adhere to. For example, registrars must agree to comply with ICANN`s Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), which provides a streamlined process for resolving domain name disputes.
The RAA also requires registrars to maintain certain technical standards to ensure the security and stability of the DNS. Registrars must comply with ICANN`s Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) recommendations and maintain a minimum level of technical proficiency.
Another significant aspect of the RAA is its compliance program, which is designed to ensure that registrars comply with the terms of the agreement. ICANN`s compliance team regularly monitors registrars for compliance with the RAA`s requirements and investigates complaints and potential violations.
In summary, the ICANN registrar accreditation agreement is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure that governs the registration and management of domain names. The RAA sets out the rights and obligations of registrars, including requirements for maintaining accurate contact information and complying with ICANN policies. By ensuring compliance with the RAA, ICANN helps to maintain the security, stability, and reliability of the DNS.