DOMAIN NAME MANAGEMENT IN TANZANIA
When you talk about domain name you mean a unique name that identifies internet resources such as websites that is registered as second level and/or third level domain under .tz ccTLD. Second Level Domain Name" or "SLD" means domain name after the .tz top level domain.
Obligation to use Domain Name .tz
It is a mandatory requirement for any company, Government, Non-Governmental Organizations, society, partnership or community registered and conducting business in Tanzania which requires domain name to register and use domain names with .tz country code.
Every institution, company, and entity having a registered domain name must use the same for all official correspondences unless the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) proves that it is technically not possible.
Any person who fails to use domain name .tz commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine or to imprisonment.
Registration of Domain Names
The registration of domain names are performed by the accredited registrars. The accredited registrar are:-
If an institution, company, Government, Non-Governmental Organizations, society, partnership or community wants to own a domain name in Tanzania, they should apply to an accredited registrar.
The application should be accompanied by payment of all domain name registration fees or any other service in connection with such registration.
After receiving the application, the Registrar will verify the information within two working days. After verification and being satisfied with the Applicant’s details, the registrar and applicant may enter into an agreement for registration and management of domain names.
The registrar shall submit the applicant’s information to the Central Registry for domain name activation and registration. Upon full registration, the TCRA shall assign the use of the registered domain name to the registered holder.
The registration will be valid for a period of one year subject to renewal for several years upon payment of renewal fees for not more than five years at once.
Assignment and Transfer
Assignment is allowed only if the conditions and criteria set by law are observed.
On the transfer side, Domain name may be transferred to a new holder upon written request to the TCRA through the registrar. The transfer of the domain name shall not affect the original day of expiration.
Change of domain name data
Domain name changes can be made by making a request to the Registrar. After receiving application, a registrar will submit to the Authority a request to change or modify data and the Authority may register and keep records of such change or modification.
The change or modification of the domain name data shall not affect the original day of expiration.
About the Author.
Mkama Magoti Kalebu is the Managing Partner at ENDO & Co. Advocates. He is an advocate of the High Court of Tanzania, Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths. He is an Advocate of the High court of Zanzibar; Member of The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and a Member of the East Africa Law Society Intellectual Property Committee
Mkama hold a Master of Intellectual Property from the University of Dar es Salaam. He leads the Intellectual Property, Technology & Media, Telecommunications and Data Protection Practices team at ENDO & Company. He handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the areas of intellectual property ("IP"), media, information technology ("IT"), data protection and telecommunications law, and has extensive experience working on regulatory, transactional, enforcement and advisory projects in these areas, counting among his clients’ multinational companies, listed corporations and government regulators.
Name Mkama M. Kalebu
Position Managing Partner and Intellectual property Consultant
Company ENDO & Co. Advocates
E-Mail: Mkama.kalebu@ndowoadvocates.co.tz
Whatsapp: +255 657577055
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