TWNIC (Taiwan Network Information Center)

What is the TWNIC (Taiwan Network Information Center)?

The Taiwan Network Information Center was founded by the Directorate General Telecommunications Ministry of Transportation and Communications on December 29, 1999. The Computer Society of the Republic of China also participated in the establishment of the TWNIC. TWNIC is the official administrative head for domain name registrations in Taiwan.

The main duties of the TWNIC include domain name registration, providing domain name related information and encouraging the use of the Internet within and outside the Republic of China. The IP address allocation in Taiwan is taken care of by TWNIC. In addition to these services, it provides support to network service providers.

There are various types of TWNIC domain names including English, Chinese and generic domain extensions. Some of the English domain extensions are edu.tw, gov.tw, mil.tw, com.tw, net.tw, org.tw, idv.tw, ebiz.tw, club.tw, and game.tw.

The organizational structure of TWNIC includes:

• domain name committee
• IP address and protocol committee
• network security committee
• domain name service department
• IP address and protocol service department
• international affairs and public relations department
• technology support department
• administration support department

In the beginning stages, TWNIC provided English domain name registration and since May 1st, 2000, it started providing a Chinese domain name registration service. At the end of 2000, TWNIC selected many registrars for carrying out the registration process.

The application forms for the registration of domain names are given either to the TWNIC or to the registrar who is appointed by TWNIC. TWNIC can cancel a domain name if the fees corresponding to the services for registration, cancellation or changing are not paid by the registrar to TWNIC.

TWNIC has the right to use the information provided by the applicant for noncommercial domain name programs. TWNIC has the right to suspend a domain name under the order of professional authority.