Some Registrars employ Deceptive Tactics by Implementing a 60-Day Lock on Domains following an Internal Push Transfer, aiming to Exploit Domain Owners into Renewing their Domains at Exorbitant Costs, sometimes Three to Four Times or More than the Normal Renewal Price, especially when the Domain is Close to Expiration.
This abusive practice also prevents domain transfers to other registrars until the inflated renewal fee is paid. It is important to differentiate this from the mandatory 60-day initial ICANN lock, as this specific lock is an additional maneuver employed by some registrars to hinder domain transfers and retain customers.
While the initial 60-day ICANN lock is obligatory upon domain registration, the abusive 60-day lock after an internal push transfer is not, and it is imperative to put an end to these coercive tactics utilized by certain registrars in their attempt to retain domain owners against their will. There are also correct registrars that do not lock you for 60 days after an internal push transfer of a domain.
Registrars’ Dirty Tactics – The 60-Day Domain Lock and its Exploitative Consequences. Exposing Registrars’ Dirty Tricks – Inflated Renewal Costs, Restricted Transfers, and the Battle for Fairness in the Domain Registration Landscape.
There is an alarming trend that has emerged in the realm of domain management – registrars implementing a 60-day lock on domains after an internal push, leading to inflated renewal costs and restricted transfer options. In this article, we will look into this exploitative practice and shed light on its detrimental impact.
Understanding the 60-Day Domain Lock
To comprehend the issue at hand, it is crucial to grasp the concept of a 60-day domain lock. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the governing body responsible for domain names, mandates an initial 60-day lock when a domain is newly registered or transferred between different registrars. This lock aims to prevent unauthorized domain transfers and ensure the security of domain ownership.
The focus of this article is not on the initial ICANN lock but on an abusive 60-day lock that certain registrars impose after an internal push. An internal push refers to the process of transferring a domain from one account to another within the same registrar. Unfortunately, some registrars exploit this opportunity to impose an additional 60-day lock, which extends the domain’s renewal period and restricts the owner’s ability to transfer the domain to a different registrar.
Exploitative Financial Implications
One of the most alarming consequences of the 60-day domain lock after an internal push is the inflated renewal costs that domain owners are forced to bear. When a domain is pushed internally, some registrars view it as an opportunity to capitalize on the situation by increasing the renewal price significantly, because you are forced to stay with them for another 60 days. As a result, unsuspecting domain owners find themselves paying exorbitant fees that can be three to four times the standard renewal cost, just to have the chance to transfer-out the domain.
This exploitative pricing strategy is particularly burdensome for individuals and small businesses with limited budgets. By manipulating the 60-day lock to their advantage, registrars force domain owners into paying excessive amounts, often without any additional value or services being provided. Such tactics can create financial strain and hinder the growth and development of online ventures.
Restricted Transfer Options
Another insidious aspect of the 60-day domain lock after an internal push is the limited transfer options it imposes on domain owners. The lock effectively restricts the ability to transfer the domain to a different registrar before the renewal fees are paid. This puts domain owners in a precarious situation, especially when their domain is nearing its expiration date.
The lack of transfer options leaves domain owners with two unfavorable choices: either pay the inflated renewal fees demanded by the registrar or risk losing control over their domain altogether. For those seeking to switch to a different registrar due to better pricing, service, or other reasons, the 60-day domain lock after an internal push becomes an unjust barrier that undermines the principles of fair competition and consumer choice.
Impact on Domain Owners and Businesses
The abusive practices surrounding the 60-day domain lock after a domain push inside the same registrar have far-reaching consequences for domain owners and businesses. For starters, the financial burden imposed by inflated renewal costs can disrupt budgetary plans, drain resources, and hinder investment in other areas of the business.
Also, the restricted transfer options severely limit the flexibility and freedom of domain owners. In a dynamic online landscape, where market conditions, business strategies, and service providers can change, being locked into a specific registrar due to financial constraints can impede growth and stifle innovation.
More than that, the lack of transparency and information regarding these abusive practices can lead to frustration and a loss of trust in the domain registration industry as a whole. Domain owners should be able to rely on registrars to act in their best interests, provide fair pricing, and offer transparent policies that empower them to make informed decisions about their domain management. When registrars engage in exploitative tactics such as the 60-day domain lock after a push, it erodes trust and undermines the credibility of the entire industry.
Call for Ethical Practices and Regulatory Measures
It is evident that the 60-day domain lock after a push transfer and its associated exploitative practices need to be addressed urgently. The burden placed on domain owners through inflated renewal costs and restricted transfer options is unfair and detrimental to their interests.
To rectify this issue, several steps can be taken:
- Increased Transparency: Registrars should be required to provide clear and comprehensive information regarding their domain transfer policies, including any additional locks or fees imposed after an internal push. This transparency will enable domain owners to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected financial burdens.
- Fair Pricing Regulations: Regulatory bodies should establish guidelines to prevent registrars from excessively inflating renewal costs after an internal push. Fair pricing practices should be enforced to protect domain owners from exorbitant fees that are unrelated to the actual value or services provided.
- Removal of Restrictive Transfer Locks: The 60-day lock after an internal push should be reevaluated to ensure it does not unjustly restrict domain owners’ ability to transfer their domains to a different registrar. Allowing for more flexible transfer options would promote healthy competition among registrars and empower domain owners to choose the services that best meet their needs.
- Strengthened Consumer Protection: Regulatory bodies should enhance their oversight of domain registration practices, focusing on protecting the rights and interests of domain owners. This includes monitoring and penalizing registrars that engage in deceptive or exploitative tactics, ensuring that domain owners have avenues to address grievances and seek recourse.
The prevalence of the 60-day domain lock after a domain push transfer and its exploitative consequences is a pressing issue within the domain registration industry. The financial burden imposed by inflated renewal costs and the limited transfer options restrict domain owners’ freedom and hinder their ability to make informed choices. To combat these abusive practices, it is crucial to advocate for increased transparency, fair pricing regulations, the removal of restrictive transfer locks, and strengthened consumer protection measures.
As the internet continues to evolve, it is essential to safeguard the integrity and fairness of domain registration services. By addressing the issue of the 60-day domain lock, we can foster an environment that empowers domain owners, promotes healthy competition among registrars, and ensures that the online landscape remains accessible and equitable for all.
Have you ever experienced an abusive 60-day domain lock after an internal push or encountered other unfair practices in the domain registration industry? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.