Domain license renewal process to begin on November 17

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, announced that all domain licenses in the Maldives will be open for renewal starting November 17. The renewal process aims to enhance the validity and security of domain registrations. Domain owners will be required to submit updated documentation, align their registries with new regulations, and receive licenses featuring enhanced security. The ministry will issue updated registries within 60 days, incorporating stronger administrative procedures and a unified system for easier verification of domain information. The Ministry of Transport estimates there are approximately 1,200 domains in the Maldives. Minister Ameen explained that although domain services were initially provided through a separate system in the early 2000s, records were kept manually in books, making it difficult to ensure the authenticity of information due to mismatches in the system and lack of proper documentation regarding ownership changes. Minister Ameen highlighted that these changes are essential for improving domain security and addressing long-standing issues with poorly maintained records, ultimately ensuring better protection for domain users. He assured that the new regulations and updates would provide stronger protection for domain owners and resolve many of the historical issues with domain records. He described these changes as a valuable opportunity to improve accuracy, security, and ownership tracking moving forward.