The IE Domain Registry is taking to the Irish public to get opinions on a new policy that will see website address owners permitted to sell their domains on to third parties.

The secondary market proposals come in response to increased demand for dot.ie domains, and a desire to protect people from unauthorised domain sellers.

The policy, up for discussion until August 16th, will allow domain name holders to sell the web address to a private buyer, via their original registrar.

Irish connection

However, potential buyers will have to prove they have a connection to Ireland, under the criteria of dot.ie domain name rules.

Other countries have already permitted such sales, including the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.

"By creating a regulated secondary market, we are providing increased access to a respected and valued domain while protecting consumers from rogue traders," said IEDR chief executive David Curtin.

Under current rules, the selling of the domain names is strictly prohibited, and the registry can delete any domain that breaks these rules. Domain names can be transferred to new owners, but no money can change hands.