The Donuts registry, which manages the greatest number of new gTLDs (the company’s portfolio includes 250 of them), has announced the launch of a new service called TrueNames. The service aims to protect all domain name registrants from homograph-based attacks, or the registration of domains which look similar or identical in spelling to famous brand names. Take for instance the xn--ggle-0nda.com domain, which will display in the browser's address bar as google.com. The Latin script “o” in the domain name is replaced by the Cyrillic “o.”
Such domains are widely used to conduct phishing attacks, steal passwords and bank card information, and commit other unlawful acts. Among their victims are not only world-famous brands, but also a multitude of smaller companies. Now, according to Donuts, the TrueNames service will block attempts to register homographic domain names at the registry level. In this context, Domain Incite recalls that Donuts-managed domains have been using the Domain Protected Marks List to safeguard owners’ interest for several years already. Among other things, it offers homograph protection. However, it only applies to about 3,500 trade marks on Donuts’ list. Moreover, the service comes at a cost. TrueNames is unique in that it will cover all registrants absolutely free of charge.
