Domains equipped with security features to be sold via tender

Maldives will begin selling domains once again next year, this time, equipped with enhanced security features, revealed Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen today.

At a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister Ameen said that although the previous government stopped domain related transactions, it is possible that domains were still sold during that time.

He also accused previous administration of maintaining poor record keeping practices regarding the matter.

However, many people have purchased domains at high prices the Minister said, adding that this issue should not be left unaddressed. He further said that significant efforts have been made over the past year to resolve it.

According to Ameen, the sale of domains will recommence with an electronic bidding system.

Efforts to resolve the existing issues:

- Amendment of regulations which are now published in the gazette

- Start issuing registration and usage permissions for domains designed with new security feature

- Prepare registration and permits to prevent forgery of documents

- Enhanced administrative procedures for domain services

- Set up a new system and connect the domain database to it

Ameen also said that the domain's validity should be verifiable via the Ministry. As such, the new system would be accessible by the Ministry, Police as well as the owners, he said.

Adding that the domains should be accessible by its owners, Ameen said even if a privately owned item is sold commercially, its information being available on the Ministry's system would increase its market value.

The Minister further said that the Ministry will also begin converting already issued domains to ones with the security feature from 17th November onwards, and that the process will go on for two months.

The security features on previous documents were forgeable, and did not have a serial number or records visible, he said.

However, the new documents would be a serial number on it, said Ameen. He also said that when the service is resumed, they will follow modern practices adopted by other countries including the allowance of domains with alphabetical characters, which would increase demand value.

The Minister said that the first domains issued would have three and four numbers, with domains containing two and one number as well as alphanumeric ones to follow after.

He also added that domains would be sold quarterly.

Previously Ameen said that records show about 1400 domains active in the country. However, only 50 percent of those are legitimate, he said.