ICANN board seeks community feedback on domain name Transfer Policy Review
ICANN is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to its domain name transfer rules. The updates, recommended by the Transfer Policy Review Working Group, aim to make moving domains between registrars simpler, safer, and more transparent.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is asking for public feedback on proposed changes to how domain name transfers between registrars are handled. This comes after the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council approved the Final Report of the Transfer Policy Review Working Group (TPR WG), which includes 47 recommendations to update and improve the current system.
The Transfer Policy, first introduced in 2004, sets the rules for how people and organisations can move their domain names from one registrar to another. The idea was to make switching providers easier, giving domain holders more choice and encouraging competition among registrars. Over the years, however, gaps and complications have emerged. For example, issues have been raised about how authorisation codes are managed, how registrant details are changed, and how disputes between registrars are resolved.
To address these concerns, ICANN launched a multi-year review process. The TPR WG examined eight key areas, including authorisation procedures, transfer denials, emergency contacts, and dispute resolution. After taking input from the community on its draft report, the group finalised its recommendations in early 2025. Now, under ICANN’s rules, the Board of Directors must review the package. Unless two-thirds of the Board votes otherwise, it is expected to adopt the recommendations.
Submissions Opening Date: Monday, 28 April 2025
Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 16 June 2025
