The digital landscape of India is evolving rapidly, and the .IN domain extension stands at the forefront of this digital identity. As the official country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for India, .IN represents not just a web address, but a connection to the Indian digital economy.
At Dinsol India, we have always prioritized transparency, security, and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines. Today, we are bringing you an important update regarding the governance of .IN domains. The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), the governing body for .IN domains, has announced significant policy updates aimed at enhancing the security and authenticity of the Indian domain ecosystem.
Effective 5th December 2025, these new regulations introduce mandatory e-KYC (Know Your Customer) verifications and stricter residency norms for all .IN domain holders. We are writing this to ensure our valued customers and visitors are fully informed and prepared for these changes.
Why the Change? A Move Towards a Safer Internet
In recent years, the importance of verifying digital identities has grown exponentially. NIXI’s decision to implement stricter verification protocols is a strategic move to curb cyber threats, prevent the misuse of domain names, and ensure that the .IN namespace remains a trusted asset for Indian businesses and individuals. By enforcing robust identity checks, NIXI aims to create a cleaner, more secure online environment where every .IN domain can be traced back to a verified entity.
Key Policy Updates You Need to Know
The updated framework introduces changes that affect both new registrations and existing domain holders. Here is a detailed breakdown of the new mandates:
1. Mandatory e-KYC Verification
The most significant shift is the requirement for mandatory Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification.
- Who does this apply to? Every individual or organization registering a new .IN domain or renewing an existing one.
- The Process: During registration, renewal, or any modification of contact details, registrants must complete an electronic verification process. This ensures that the person or entity behind the domain is legitimate and traceable.
- Consequence of Non-Compliance: It is crucial to note that failure to complete the e-KYC process will result in the domain being placed on SERVERHOLD status. In practical terms, this means the domain will become inactive—your website and emails associated with the domain will stop functioning until the verification is successfully completed1.
2. Focus on Indian Residency and Nexus
NIXI has provided further clarification regarding who is eligible to hold a .IN domain. The policy is increasingly pivoting towards restricting registrations to individuals or organizations based within India.
- Indian Registrants: For individuals and entities based in India, the process remains streamlined, provided the e-KYC is completed.
- Foreign Registrants: The new rules impose a stricter requirement on non-Indian registrants. Foreign entities must now demonstrate a valid “nexus” (connection) to India to prove their right to register or hold a .IN domain2. Furthermore, NIXI has indicated a long-term direction where registrations may be restricted solely to Indian-based entities3.
Dinsol India’s Commitment to Compliance
As a responsible registrar service provider, Dinsol India is fully committed to following the NIXI rules. We understand that regulatory changes can sometimes be challenging to navigate, but we believe these steps are essential for the long-term integrity of the Indian web space.
To align with these mandates and protect our customers from potential operational risks, Dinsol India is enforcing these verification protocols strictly. We are updating our systems to ensure that:
- VPNs are restricted during the registration process to ensure authentic location data4.
- Registrant contact details are validated to ensure they belong to legitimate Indian entities5.
- Restricted email addresses (those belonging to prohibited domains) are blocked from registering .IN domains6.
Our goal is to ensure that every domain registered through Dinsol India is compliant, secure, and immune to suspension risks mandated by the registry.
Actionable Steps for Our Customers
To ensure your online presence remains uninterrupted, we urge all our customers to take immediate action. Whether you own a personal blog, a corporate website, or an e-commerce platform on a .IN domain, please review the following steps:
- For Existing Domain Holders:
- Verify Your Data: Log in to your client area and review the contact details associated with your .IN domains. Ensure that the name, address, email, and phone number are accurate and up-to-date7.
- Prepare for e-KYC: Be ready to submit identity proof documents when you receive a verification request or when your domain comes up for renewal. Mismatched data between your profile and your documents can lead to disruptions8.
- Check Your Status: If you are a foreign registrant without a direct presence in India, please contact our support team immediately to discuss your options and ensure you meet the valid nexus qualifications mandated by NIXI9.
- For New Registrations:
- Have your KYC documents handy before initiating a domain purchase.
- Ensure you are not using a VPN or an anonymous proxy during the registration process.
We Are Here to Help
We understand that “compliance” and “verification” can sound like daunting administrative tasks. However, these measures are ultimately designed to protect your brand. A verified .IN domain carries more weight and trust with Indian audiences than an unverified one.
At Dinsol India, our support team is briefed and ready to assist you through this transition. If you are unsure about your domain’s status or need help with the e-KYC process, please do not hesitate to raise a query through our Helpdesk.
We recommend initiating these checks early. Domains that fail to complete KYC verification within the stipulated period mandated by NIXI will be suspended by the registry10. Let’s work together to avoid any service interruptions and keep your business online and thriving.
Thank you for your continued trust in Dinsol India. Together, let’s build a more secure and verified Indian internet.
Disclaimer: This post is based on the latest policy updates from the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) effective December 5, 2025. Policies are subject to change by the registry, and Dinsol India will keep you updated on any further developments.