The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman, which is the .om registry, has received information of recent instances where .om domain names have been used to mislead internet users with a potential malicious intent.
The TRA has taken immediate actions to fight against the misuse and abuse of .om domain names in order to restore and maintain the integrity and identity associated with .om domain names. All domains that are known or suspected to have been abused in this explicit intent have been immediately taken offline and the process of investigation and suspension on similar grounds is continuing.
Preliminary reports and investigations have pointed out that certain .om domain registrations redirect the users to completely different websites engaged in possible malware or illegal and unethical activities with potential harm to the internet users. As per the Oman domain names policy, such acts are forbidden and, persons and entities engaged in these acts are liable for appropriate legal and penal actions.
All .om accredited registrars are again reminded to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the registration process of domain names with respect to carrying out due process of verification and authentication, including the protection of intellectual property and copyrights where required. We encourage international companies and brand owners to register under .om to protect their brands as per the process of registration. Strict action against non-compliance to rules and regulations will be taken by the authority based on investigations and evidence against the entities and individuals whom misuse the .om domains.
TRA is strongly committed to the security and stability of the internet and will not tolerate any domain names that might cause any harm to internet users or the internet eco-system. TRA would like to reiterate its stand on protecting the national identity and reputation associated with.om domain names.
The Authority also warns unscrupulous elements of strict consequences if breaches to legal provisions, code of ethics and undesirable commercial activities are noticed and reported. Registrars are advised to engage in legal and ethical practices while registering domain names and ensure that new and or renewed domain names are for lawful purposes. Registrars are also advised to inform registrants of this as well.
The Public is hereby requested to seek the assistance of the authority if they notice any .om domain names used for illegal, unethical, and sub-optimal commercial activities.
Source: OmanObserver