Contractual Compliance Program
What is the ICANN Contractual Compliance Program?
Contacting ICANN Regarding Compliance Matters
ICANN has a limited technical and policy coordination role. Before submitting a question or complaint here, please review the Frequently Asked Questions section or click on one of the links below for more information:
- Before You Register a Domain Name
- Registering a Domain Name
- Managing Your Domain Name Registration
- Complaint and Dispute Options
- ICANN-Accredited Registrars
ICANN's compliance work as described above is focused on enforcement of the contractual terms of its agreements. Each of these agreements is publicly available on the ICANN website.
- Click here to view current ccTLD Agreements
- Click here to view current gTLD Registry Agreements
- Click here to view the Registrar Accreditation Agreement
- Click here for a list of consensus policies applicable to gTLD registries and registrars. These policies are incorporated into ICANN's agreements with gTLD registries and registrars.
If you believe that an accredited registrar is in violation of its agreement with ICANN, please submit an email to registrar@icann.org with as many details as you have available regarding the specific areas of the accreditation agreement that you believe the registrar is in violation of.
If you believe that a gTLD registry operator or sponsor, or a ccTLD registry is in violation of its agreement with ICANN, please submit an email to registry@icann.org with as many details as you have available regarding the specific areas of the accreditation agreement that you believe has been violated.
The flowchart outlines the process these complaints will follow.
Contractual Compliance Program Overview
The overall goal for the compliance plan is to ensure that both ICANN and its contracted parties fulfill the requirements set forth in the agreements between the parties. In achieving this goal, ICANN will:
- Demonstrate the openness and transparency of ICANN's operations
- Provide fair and equitable treatment in applying compliance efforts
- Establish clear and easy-to-use channels for communication on compliance matters
- Supplement staff knowledge and enabling greater responsiveness to changes in the environment
- Produce clarity and certainty for the community about the agreements
- Identify areas for reform to be considered by the ICANN community
Contractual Compliance
Notices of Breach, Termination and Non-Renewal
Contractual Compliance Reports
Contractual Compliance Updates
Coming Features
- Vision/Mission
- Contractual Compliance Staff
- FAQ
- Calendar of Events
Operating Plan
ICANN is committed to maintaining a comprehensive and effective contractual compliance program.
Consistent with ICANN's mission to preserve the operational stability and security of the DNS and promoting competition, consumer trust and consumer choice, ICANN's contractual compliance program aims to ensure all ICANN-accredited registrars and registries comply with the terms of the agreements they have with ICANN.
Through the use of technology tools and skilled staff, ICANN aims to:
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Work constructively with registrars and registries to foster a culture of compliance
It is ICANN's goal to continue our outreach efforts and to work closely with registrars and registries to help them understand their contractual obligations and overcome their compliance challenges and issues.
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Proactively monitor compliance by contracted parties
Based on the terms and conditions of the registrar and registry agreements, ICANN will proactively monitor compliance through automated monitoring tools or random audits.
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Resolve contractual compliance matters informally, if appropriate
It is not the primary goal of ICANN to terminate registrar or registry agreements. As such, ICANN will attempt to resolve contractual compliance matters quickly and informally before pursuing remedies available under the agreements, if appropriate.
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Aggressively pursue cases of non-compliance
Serious harm to consumers and the Internet community may be caused by a registrar's or a registry's failure to adhere to an ICANN agreement. Accordingly, cases of suspected non-compliance will be investigated and pursued in a timely and consistent manner. ICANN's pursuit of non-compliant parties may include the publication of relevant compliance documents.
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Maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism
It is the aim of ICANN to meet the highest ethical standards and carry out contractual compliance activities in professional manner.
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Continue to develop and enhance procedures for consistent handling of compliance matters
It is the aim of ICANN to treat registrars and registries fairly and consistently through well-defined escalated compliance processes.
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Analyze WDPRS reports and consumer complaint data to assess trends
Complaints received by ICANN will be analyzed to determine if trends exist that warrant policy recommendations or issue of compliance advisory.
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Provide timely reporting of Contractual Compliance activities
Consistent with ICANN's interest in maintaining accountability and transparency, ICANN's Contractual Compliance goals, activities and achievements will be made known to the public through periodic or ad-hoc reporting.
