In March 2022, new rules were introduced to allow anyone with an Australian presence to register a new category of domain name, known as ".au", which will operate in addition to the existing ".com.au" and ".net.au" domains. This change is the biggest in decades for Australian websites, with more than three million ".au" domains already registered.
Who can register?
Existing domain name licence holders until recently had priority to register the ".au" equivalent of their domain names.
From 20 September 2022, unallocated .au domain names have become available to the first to apply.
Why register an ".au" domain?
If you have an existing .com.au or .net.au domain name, registering the .au direct equivalent can help to:
Prevent online security threats
The option for new domain names creates opportunities for cybercriminals. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has warned that a large number of businesses could have their brand or identity impersonated. Priority registration should also be sought to avoid the risk of “cyber-squatting”, where similar domain names are occupied by competitors or cyber criminals for fraudulent activity.
Boost your online presence
Commercial opportunities could be lost if it is difficult to find your business website when searching online.
How to register
The new system to allow the shortened domain was made by regulator .au Domain Administration. Visit an auDA accredited registrar to register a domain name.
Further information about the new domain namespace can be found here.
Photo by Fabian Irsara on Unsplash.
All information on this site is of a general nature only and is not intended to be relied upon as, nor to be a substitute for, specific legal professional advice. No responsibility for the loss occasioned to any person acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material published can be accepted.
