If you, or someone you know, has an existing domain name ending in .com.au, then please keep reading.
Due to the introduction of a new system by auDA on 24 March 2022, instead of ending a website with .com.au, .net.au, etc., websites can now be registered ending with .au (dropping the .com and .net).
Why is this important?
Anyone with a connection to Australia, such as businesses, associations and individuals, can now register a new category of domain name – the shorter domain of .au.
If Australian business with an existing domain name don’t reserve or register their equivalent .au domain name before the deadline of 20 September 2022, it becomes available to the general public. This means the business can no longer safeguard their brand and identity on the internet, and instead they run the risk of seeing impersonators or cyber criminals taking up domain names just like theirs.
The Ombudsman said these changes could see businesses lose their customer base or be at the mercy of cyber criminals impersonating them if they do not proactively sign up to the new system –
“The consequences of not registering your existing business name by this deadline could be catastrophic for a business if a rival or someone else took their online name. Domain names are very much the identity of a business and critical to their success. Small businesses cannot afford to have their identity sold to someone else.”
Next Steps
You can either register your new domain name immediately or apply for priority status to give you more time to register.
Register your .au domain name (recommended option)
Contact the organisation that you would normally renew your domain name with and they should be able to assist with this process
Apply for Priority Status
If you hold a .au domain name (e.g. getyour.com.au.), licensed before the launch of .au direct on 24 March 2022, then you could be eligible for priority to apply for the .au direct match of your existing name (e.g. getyour.au). The priority period ends 20 Sept 2022. This is so that no other business will register your .au domain name before you get a chance to do so.
If no priority applications have been made for the .au direct match, it will be become available for registration by the general public on 4 October 2022.
You must ensure that you are eligible to hold the .au domain which forms the basis of your application. Your eligibility for your existing .au domain will be checked when you apply.
You will also need a priority token (or authorisation code) for your application to be accepted.
Once you lodge your Priority Status application you will be unable to update the registrant information associated with your existing domain name while your application is active. It is important to make sure it is up to date before you lodge your application.
Still confused?
We don’t blame you.
Contact us on 02 9525 2455 or via admin@summersandsummers.com.au to discuss this further.
