Following the Sub-decree issued in late 2021 with regards to local domain name registration requirement for all legal entities, the Ministry of Information (“MOI”) observed that some businesses operating in the press and broadcasting sector have not changed from foreign domain names to local domain name “.kh” yet. Therefore, to enforce this requirement, the MOI recently issued a Notification urging all press and broadcasting individuals/entities to use the local domain names “.kh” with the following instructions:
- New business: must use the “.kh” domain name when applying for the press and broadcasting license.
- Existing businesses: legal entities currently using foreign domain name must change to “.kh” by the end of 2025.
- Holders of website permit: businesses, who obtained license to operate on website but publish on social media, must review their compliance by March 2025.
- Registration process: entities must register their local domain name at the government designated portal.
It is to note that the application for a local domain name requires the submission of both legal and technical documentation/information, as well as the payment of the prescribed public service fee. Moreover, in accordance with the Joint Notification issued in 2023 by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, businesses are also instructed to include their corporate electronic address featuring the “.kh” local domain name during the Annual Declaration of Commercial Enterprise. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions by the relevant authorities, and businesses are advised to initiate the transition promptly to ensure regulatory adherence.
This legal update is brought to you by Davies SM Attorneys-at-law.