What is a domain name?

A domain name is an alias for a unique IP address (Internet Protocol Address). Domain names are name extensions that make it easier for users to navigate on the Internet, and they are also used for identifying e-mail addresses.

Domain names have come to be part of the communication infrastructure, which is of decisive importance to both public and private users, but especially to the many companies that are communicating and trading to an increasing extent with the surrounding world via websites on the Internet.

Domain Act

In the light of these developments, the Danish Parliament (the Folketing) on 16 June 2005 passed the Act on Top Level Domains Specifically Allocated to Denmark (known as the Domain Act). The Act came into force on 1 July 2005.

The purpose of the Act is to promote dynamic and high-quality development within the Danish Internet community by providing availability, transparency, efficiency and security in relation to the Top Level Domains (TLDs) specifically allocated to Denmark. Under the Act, the .dk TLD will be managed according to the provisions of the Act.

So far, the administration of the .dk TLD has been undertaken by means of self-regulation. The Danish Internet Forum (DIFO) has been in charge of the administration of the TLD via its subsidiary DK Hostmaster A/S since 1 July 1999. DIFO has prepared various guidelines, including rules for registering domain names under .dk and has appointed a complaints board regarding domain names under .dk.

Under the Domain Act, administration of the .dk TLD is to be put out to tender. The first tender has been conducted and the authorisation to administer the .dk TLD has been issued to DIFO.

The authorisation runs for a period of 6 years with an option of two times two years extension. The National IT and Telecom Agency will supervise DIFO's compliance to both obligations according to the authorisation and regulations cf. the Domain Act.

Read the complete Domain Act (only available in Danish).

Read more on the call for tenders for administration of the .dk TLD, including the invitation of tenders from consultants launched prior to calling tenders for the administration of .dk.

ENUM

ENUM is the name of a protocol drawn up by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) translating E.164 numbers (numbering plan for telephony, ISDN and mobile communication) to Internet domain names.

.eu

The European Parliament and the Council have adopted Regulation (EC) No. 733/2002 of 22 April 2002 on the implementation of the .eu Top Level Domain. This means that .eu is established as a new top level domain on the Internet.

More detailed rules have been given in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 874/2004 of 28 April 2004 laying down public policy rules concerning the implementation and functions of the .eu Top Level Domain and the principles governing registration.