One of the technical functions of a top-level domain (TLD) registry operator is to maintain the “zone data” or authoritative database of all domain names registered in its TLD. The “zone data” contains the domain names themselves, their associated name server names, and the IP addresses for those name servers. The zone data is used by computers using the Internet to find the IP address where the domain name’s content or service is hosted. As the registry operator for .Apple, Apple regularly updates the zone data for .Apple and provides it to ICANN in “zone files”.
To balance the confidential nature and potential beneficial uses of zone data, Apple has drafted this Centralized Zone Data Service Access Policy for .Apple to cover how Apple approves third-party access to the zone data for .Apple and when Apple could reject or revoke such access.
Requests for zone data access
All requests to access the zone file for the .Apple TLD must be submitted by the user through ICANN’s Centralized Zone Data Service found at the following link https://czds.icann.org.
Credentialing requirements
To obtain access to the zone data for the .Apple TLD, ICANN requires all users to agree to the Terms & Conditions of the Centralized Zone Data Service.
Apple also will request, through the Centralized Zone Data Service, that each user provide:
- the reason for which the user seeks access, and
- information sufficient to correctly identify and locate the user
Apple also may request that the user provide the steps the user will take to protect against unauthorized access to, use of, or disclosure of the data to any third party.
Apple’s access review process may take up to sixty (60) business days.
Rejection and revocation of access
ICANN or Apple may reject the request for access to the Centralized Zone Data Service of any user that does not satisfy the credentialing requirements.
In addition, Apple may reject the request for access where Apple reasonably believes that the requesting user likely will:
- use the data for unlawful or abusive purposes, or otherwise not use the data in compliance with all applicable laws and regulation
- use the data to harass, annoy, interrupt, disrupt, or interfere in the normal business operations of any registrant, including Apple
- use the data for marketing purposes
- use the data in a way that threatens the operational stability and security of the Internet
- distribute the data to any other party without the express prior written consent of Apple
- not take all reasonable steps to protect against unauthorized access to, use of, or disclosure of the data to any third party
- use the data in a manner that otherwise contravenes the spirt of this policy
Apple may terminate any user’s access to the data at any time and without notice for any reason, including a user’s failure to comply with any provision of this policy or the Terms & Conditions of the Centralized Zone Data Service.
Term of use
Where approved, a user will be provided access to the zone data for a term at Apple’s discretion of at least ninety (90) days.
Upon the end of the term, the user must apply to to renew their approval of access through the Centralized Zone Data Service.