TWNIC’s new measure in 2003: simplification in application procedures of domain names

From January 1 2003, TWNIC has removed the examination review of written documents and simplified the application procedures of domain names. Applicants can immediately finish all of the application procedures via e-mail to confirm their identifications. In addition, after the new institutionmeasure of the removal of written documents has been implemented, the previous regulation that foreign companies must authorize domestic law firms for application has been adjusted to allow foreigners or foreign companies to register and apply.

Before 2002, when applicants appliedy for [.tw] domain names, they hadve to fill in relevant information online, download the “domain name application and examination booklet”, and then prepare relevant documents, as well as fax or mail to the registration organizations. The application procedures are more complicated. On the other hand, if foreign companies intend to apply for .tw domain names, they have to establish a branch office in Taiwan. If they do not have branch offices in Taiwan, they have to authorize domestic law firms to apply and register on their behalf, which is really inconvenient for foreigners.

Accompaniedy with the promotion of e-technology and the popularity of the network, procedures to apply for domain names must follow the open characteristic of the network, and emphasize on customer service. Because of the above reason, TWNIC goes with the international trend to simplify the procedures to apply for domain names and remove the examination of documents. From January 1, people who intend to apply for domain names can confirm their identifications through e-mail and immediately complete all of the application procedures online. In addition, the previous regulation that foreign companies must authorize domestic law firms to apply has been adjusted to allow foreigners or foreign companies to register and apply themselves. From now on, companies and people are all free to select suitable domain names online.