Nominet proposes shorter, more secure .UK domains

Nominet has set out plans to introduce shorter domain names for UK businesses, as well as a series of new security features to prevent people falling foul of internet fraudsters.

The company, which is responsible for running the .UK infrastructure, is planning to introduce a digital signature, known as Domain Name System Security Protocol (DNSSEC), to lower the chances of a domain name being hijacked.

Under the plans, companies would need to have a verified UK presence to make use of the new domain names, and any affected by malware could be suspended.

"This new secure domain space would boost the growth of the UK internet economy. We are aware that it represents a significant change to the landscape of the .uk internet and we are committed to taking all points of view on board," said Lesley Cowley, chief executive of Nominet.

The organisation has launched a three-month consultation to allow stake holders to provide their feedback on the plans, which will end on 7 January 2013.

"With the UK internet economy estimated to be worth 121 billion and increasing, the matters of security, ease of use, and choice are becoming ever more important," added Cowley.