> Is this correct?

Yes and no. In order to renew a domain name Melb IT have made provisions
for transfer of .com.au domain names between accredited resellers. So say
you originally registered your domain name through one reseller and found
another in the two year period and wanted to change. Then you would
required to provide that new reseller the registry key to move the domain
name to their management within the Melb IT system and flag that domain
name to their management.


> Do I need to supply my registry key to affect renewal
> of my domain name?

If you are receiving notice from your original reseller or Melb IT directly
you would not have to provide the key as the domain name is already with
them.



> I have not had any previous dealings with Internet
> Name Group. I am a sole proprietor so it is impossible that any member
> of my staff could have requested a renewal from Internet Name Group as
> I do not have any staff. This seems like business solicitation in it's
> purest form.
>

Not really sure what you are saying.. Do you or don't you have staff? If
you do it's more than possible.. if you don't then highly unlikely as you
would know if you provided the Reg Key to them.

> At uni we are taught that IS professionals should not misuse the skills
> they have learnt for underhandedly obtaining information, and that
> people's privacy should be respected. An example was made of companies
> that send renewal notices for domain names that look like invoices,but
> I didn't realise that one of the companies involved was (or claims to
> be) an Accredited .com.au Registrar.
>

Unfortunately what people are taught does not mean that they do it.
Porovisionaly accredited registrars a the moment does not really mean that
much... it the reseller that follow the  Interim code of practice.

 http://www.auda.org.au/docs/Interim_COP.pdf

I do remember that there is a list on the www.auda.org.au site but for the
life of me I can't find it.

> Are there current stats on how many consumers are affected by this
> practice? Where did this company get my details from? Are they really
> an accredited registrar? Why would an accredited registrar send me a
> deceptive unsolicited renewal advice?
>

I really doubt it.

Best Regards,

Michael-Pappas.
www.clickngo.com.au


> All comments appreciated.
>
> Kind Regards,
>
> Max Sylvester
> (University Student and part time IT support)
>
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