What are the rules for .eco names? Who can get one? When can we take it away? Is there a .eco foundation? What should the money be used for? These are tough questions, and they need good answers. We could keep these rules secret until we apply for dot eco, but instead we've posted them up here for anyone to read.

It's our way of saying we care about transparency, and are stronger with your input. So have at us! Click the below to find out and discuss what .eco should be. 

The fifth draft .eco policies are now ready! Have a look and comment on any key outstanding issues. See the background here.  

FIFTH DRAFT DOT ECO POLICIES

1. Purpose: the core purpose that defines .eco;

2. Names: how the .eco registry handles premium, controversial and other names;

3. Registration: how users register .eco names and the questions they are asked;

4. Accountability: covering how trust in .eco is maintained and enforced; and

5. Foundation: covering how the philanthropic arm of .eco functions.

This is part of a global policy development process to build a consensus for stewardship of the Dot Eco TLD. The process will seek to comply with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Setting Environmental and Social Standards.

Leading international organisations, companies and experts have been invited to participate in this open process, which is overseen by the Dot Eco Stakeholder Council. 

THE DOT ECO POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Taking place during 2009 and 10, this process will establish a long-term governance structure and a set of consensus-based principles for how to run Dot Eco.

There are three elements to the policy development process:

• Stakeholder Council This 13 member Stakeholder Council will guide the global policy development process for .eco.

• Public comment Public comment is open to the global community to help refine .eco policies in a collaborative and transparent way.

• Regional Meetings In person Regional Meetings around the world will gather direct regional input into Dot Eco policies and help make it truly global.

This process is being facilitated by the Meridian Institute, a non-profit based in Washington, DC that helps build consensus around sustainable development policy issues.