Foster dialogue, put forward proposals, create and convey a vision of an Internet that benefits everyone

A fruitful consultation

Thanks to its association-based model, Afnic promotes a constant dialogue and plays the role of coordinator and facilitator for the French Internet community.

The discussions with our members allow us to hear their needs and ideas directly so that we can adapt and anticipate major changes to the .fr TLD and our strategic vision and transmit these shared values. The achievements of the past two years are a reflection of this.

For example, in 2021, members’ participation in the consultation, their questions and their advice contributed to the re-designation of Afnic by the French State as the .fr registry. Our members notably joined with Afnic in evaluating the needs related to the fight against abuse, skills transfer and participation in digital standards bodies. Lastly, they are also very active in the promotion of the .fr TLD and support initiatives to meet the needs of the digital transformation among French VSEs/SMEs.

Over the course of 2022, the contributions of our members proved highly valuable in allowing us to implement an ambitious operational roadmap centred on our new commitments. It is thanks to the discussions and sharing that the important milestones for the year were reached with greater ease and confidence: as an example, administrative and technical changes to the management of .fr were discussed, better understood and anticipated, allowing for the major migration to a new registry system for .fr and overseas territories domain names to be carried out smoothly.

More recently, the members met in consultative committees on 30 March 2023 to exchange views and share their opinions on the establishment of a mediation service for domain names, a new service that will be offered free of charge by Afnic ahead of ADR (alternative dispute resolution) procedures.

As part of the fight against abuse, members also have the opportunity, on a voluntary basis, to participate in working groups in the spring to discuss and jointly construct new mechanisms with Afnic. The implementation of a solution between registry and registrar on the verification of domain name holders’ data will be examined by these groups. Both professionals and users are concerned by this work, making their contributions vital in order to anticipate developments and devise solutions that benefit everyone.

This post is therefore above all an opportunity to sincerely thank each of our members for their involvement and their contributions!

Fostering dialogue

Since its creation, the role of Afnic has been to promote dialogue between all stakeholders and to ensure the development of the Internet in the general interest, in France and elsewhere.

Opting for the status of ‘association’ was an obvious choice, since it allows for a structure able to accommodate all of the stakeholders wishing to be involved in the development of an open and stable Internet: scientists, public powers, domain name professionals including registrars, foreign counterparts, and Internet and domain name users, whether companies or private individuals.

Together we are committed to creating a ‘made in France’ Internet: an Internet respectful of the network’s neutrality, of personal data and of technical fundamentals. And we want to continue to make this voice heard and expressed at the level of French, European and world bodies.

Convinced of the virtuous nature of this model, we seek to strengthen and develop our community of members through new offers and new formats for participation and contribution.

You too can join Afnic as a member

Afnic is a non-profit association, governed by the French law of 1901, membership of which is easy and affordable (from €20 to €190 depending on your profile).

Internet users and professionals (host, SEO agency, web agency, etc.), consortiums, trade organisations, associations, industrial property and legal consultants, businesses, associations, public bodies, students, professors and digital researchers… Membership of Afnic is open to any natural or legal person seeking to participate in the development of the Internet in France and on a broader level.

When you become a member, you will be invited to:

• express your views and discuss Afnic’s positioning and the different items on its road map (registry policy, new services, technical developments, etc.) as well as the social issues involved in the digital sphere such as Internet governance, combating abuse, etc., as part of consultative committees and thematic working groups;
• take part in the association’s events and highlights;
• take advantage of VIP access to our publications, reports and works; receive information on the domain name industry, the legal framework, etc.;
• meet other members, all players in the digital community and involved in the development of the Internet (access to the members’ directory);
• elect your representatives to the association’s Board of Trustees (and put yourself forward as a nominee J ).

You will also have access to a members-only website and I will have the pleasure of acting as your dedicated contact person to answer all your questions.

Lastly, keep in mind that you can join at any time over the year! The upcoming meetings will provide an opportunity to get to know one another and learn about your expectations. Several special events are already scheduled:

• Members’ webinar on the trends in the domain name industry: 20 April 2023
• International College Days: 7 and 8 June 2023
• Afnic General Meeting and annual dinner: 9 June 2023
• Registrars’ and Users’ Consultative Committee meetings: 5 October 2023

We hope to see you soon!