ICANN's blog post provides information on how to file a complaint for Epik, how ICANN ensures compliance with agreements and policies related to Epik, and what happens during a change of control or ownership of an ICANN-Accredited Registrar.



In March 2023, ICANN began receiving complaints about Epik Inc. not processing domain name renewals in a timely manner and having poor customer support. These complaints have been addressed, including those mentioned in the formal breach notice issued on June 1st, 2023.

The blog post explains the resources available to registrants experiencing issues with their domain name registrations and the actions ICANN is taking to ensure Epik complies with contractual obligations.

Registrants can access resources and learn how to transfer or renew domain names. If they are unable to obtain AuthInfo codes or unlock domain names for transfers, they can file a complaint with ICANN Contractual Compliance. Evidence must be provided, including proof of payment and failed attempts to renew domain names.

ICANN has authority over Epik through the Registrar Accreditation Agreement and Consensus Policies incorporated into it. Customers with concerns about services outside of the RAA may seek legal advice.

ICANN Contractual Compliance received complaints in March 2023 that Epik failed to renew domain names for which payment was made. Of the 40 complaints, 19 compliance investigations were initiated, and 70% of the gTLD domain names had not yet expired. ICANN Contractual Compliance sent inquiries to Epik for cases where the domain names had already expired and required a swift resolution by the registrar.

A cross-functional team at ICANN org monitored Epik's compliance with obligations before receiving complaints. ICANN Contractual Compliance issued a formal breach notice on 1 June 2023, and if Epik fails to cure by 22 June 2023, ICANN will terminate the RAA and transition domain names to protect registrants.

ICANN org must review and approve any change of control or ownership of Epik and/or a request to assign the registrar's current RAA to another entity in accordance with the terms and requirements of Section 7.3 of the RAA and ICANN's procedures.

This oversight raises concerns about the impact on the affected domain owners, online businesses, and Epik's credibility as a service provider.
The failure to renew such a high percentage of gTLD domain names can have significant consequences. It may result in websites becoming inaccessible, leading to potential loss of traffic, revenue, and brand reputation for the businesses relying on these domains. As a result, webmasters may need to invest time and resources into reclaiming expired domains or migrating to new ones, which can disrupt their online operations and SEO efforts.

Furthermore, from a technical perspective, the expiration of a large number of gTLD domain names can create widespread link rot across the web. This can negatively impact user experience, as visitors encounter broken links and missing content, ultimately affecting the interconnected nature of the internet.

It's essential to stay vigilant about domain management and renewal practices to avoid such scenarios. Communication and transparency from domain registrars like Epik are crucial in addressing and rectifying these issues, as they directly impact the online ecosystem and the webmasters who rely on their services.
The repercussions of failing to renew a substantial portion of gTLD domain names extend beyond financial penalties. They have far-reaching implications for website owners, users, and the overall stability of the internet. As a webmaster, I emphasize the importance of proactive domain management to uphold the integrity and accessibility of the online landscape.