This is the acceptable use policy for our Web Domain Manager service. As with our acceptable use policies generally, our linking principles apply.

Introduction

As detailed in our Automaton AUP, we have experienced a number of problems in the past that have required us to prevent or limit certain functionality of our registrar systems.  Our Web Domain Manager service has the same controls in place.

Many of the limits given here are combined with certain limits on the Automaton and EPP.  Exceeding limits on one system will trigger a block on all systems.

General use of our Web Domain Manager service

There are generally no specific limits set on the level of use of Web Domain Manager commands, other than the specific limits on the use of the create and delete commands set out below.

Notwithstanding the above, it is not acceptable to use the Web Domain Manager service, or knowingly or recklessly permit others to use the Web Domain Manager service:

1. so as to interfere with the use of the Web Domain Manager by other customers or authorised users;
2. in a manner which does, or is designed to, harass or cause a denial-of-service to any other user of the Web Domain Manager service; or 
3. in a manner which causes or is likely to cause an interruption or degradation of, interference with, or disproportionate burden on the operations of the Web Domain Manager service, regardless of whether such interruption, degradation, interference or burden is the result of the registrar’s actions or those of a third party over which the registrar has no control.
   

If, in Nominet’s reasonable opinion, a registrar is using the Web Domain Manager service in such an unacceptable manner Nominet will take such steps as it deems appropriate to stop the unacceptable use including, but not limited to, suspending, restricting or terminating the registrar’s access to or use of some or all of Nominet’s registrar systems.

Use of create commands on already registered names

The combined use of the following commands and operations must not exceed 1,000 in any rolling 24 hour period:

• EPP create commands on domains that already exist
• EPP check commands on domains registered to other tags
• Automaton request operations on domains that already exist
• Web Domain Manager create operations on domains that already exist
  

These limits are set per registrar and our other linking principles apply and are hereby incorporated into this Acceptable Use Policy.  If exceeded, all tags for that registrar will be blocked from making new registrations and from using the check command for 24 hours. 

Modifications and queries will still be permitted.  If the requests do not cease as a result then we may block all access for that registrar.  The block will be automatically lifted upon expiry of the 24-hour period.

Use of the delete and investigation lock operations

The instructions for use of the delete and investigation lock operations clearly state their intended use.  Any other use of these commands is misuse and may lead to blocking and/or having the commands selectively blocked, disabled or withdrawn.

In order to protect our systems we impose a limit on the sum total of delete and investigation lock operations on new registrations.  The delete and investigation lock operations are limited to 5 or 5% of uninvoiced registrations, whichever is higher, within the following effective period:

• From the 1st of the month to the 7th of the month, the limits are calculated back to the beginning of the previous month.
• From the 8th of the month to the end of the month, the limits are calculated back to the beginning of the same month.  (This means domain names deleted or locked between the 1st and 7th are counted in two consecutive months)

If this limit is exceeded, the delete and investigation lock operations are automatically disabled for new registrations on that tag.  These operations will remain disabled until:

• the registrar has registered enough domain names to permit further operations under the 5% limit or
  
• midnight on the 7th of the following month when the limit is automatically reset.

If you need to delete or lock more domain names than the limit allows, then please contact us at hostmaster@nominet.org.uk.

Other prohibited uses

Other prohibited uses of the Web Domain Manager include, but are not limited to:

• unlawful use (i.e. in breach of statute, contractual obligations, duty of care etc)
• fraudulent use
• defamatory use
• damage or disruption to Nominet's systems
• infringement of Nominet's intellectual property
  

Any action taken which is likely to endanger any part of the domain name system, our systems or our internet connections, or any failure to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy will result in a block and possible suspension of the Registrar from use of the Web Domain Manager service.

Linking principles

Many of the limits given here are combined with certain limits on the Automaton and EPP.  Exceeding these limits will trigger a block across the Automaton, EPP and the Web Domain Manager.

We also may link tags together when calculating the above limits.  This policy is covered by our standard anti-avoidance clause which is hereby incorporated into this Acceptable Use Policy.

Further escalation

Tags that necessitate persistent blocking will be contacted and dealt with under the Registrar Agreement and Good Practice Terms.