Amendments to the Domain Name Registration System
On July 19, 2016, the Argentine Domain Name Administration, the entity responsible for the administration of domain names in Argentina, issued Resolution No. 110/2016 (the “Resolution”) which updates certain aspects of the rules for the registration and administration of domain names in Argentina.
The most relevant amendment introduced by the Resolution refers to the new access system to Nic-Argentina’s domain name registration and administration portal. The previous access system based on a user registration and validation process conducted by Nic-Argentina has been replaced with a new user validation procedure through the Tax Authorities’ (“AFIP”) database which will provide accurate information on the identity of domain name registrants.
The new rules require that, in order to register or manage a domain name, users – or their representatives - must access Nic-Argentina’s database through the AFIP website (www.afip.gob.ar) using the individual Tax ID and Tax Key (Clave Fiscal) provided by the AFIP.
The Tax IDs and Tax Keys are only available to domestic individuals and domestic legal entities. The Resolution does not address how foreign individuals or companies should access Nic-Argentina’s portal.
To the best of our knowledge, the Argentine Domain Name Administration is currently working to resolve this situation and enable foreign individuals and companies to register domain names in Argentina. Until this occurs, any domain name currently registered by a foreign entity which has expired between June 1, 2016 and July 31, 2016, has been granted a special 75-day renewal grace period.
This insight is a brief comment on legal news in Argentina; it does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis or to provide legal advice.