Namecheap, a domain and web hosting service, is discontinuing all operations to its Russian-based customers in response to the Kremlin’s attack on Ukraine.
“Regretfully, due to the Russian president’s crimes and breaches of human rights in Ukraine, we will no longer be supplying services to clients registered in Russia,” the service, based, located in the United States, informed Russian customers in an email.
The organization is requested that Russian consumers move their domains to a different supplier by March 6. Or else, their websites will be sent to a 403 Forbidden page. Furthermore, the company has begun prohibiting Russian customers from utilizing the organization’s site hosting and private email services on Russian web domains such as.ru and.su.
“While we appreciate that this struggle may not change your private beliefs or opinions on the subject, the fact is that your authoritarian regime is committing crimes against humanity and atrocities, thus this is a policy choice we have taken and will stick by,” the organization stated.
Certain Russian customers have complained that they have been treated unfairly as a result of the decision. “Whoever came up with this idea is a fool and therefore should be sacked,” one Twitter user said, claiming the company is “blanket targeting” citizens rather than Russia’s leadership.
Another Russian Twitter user remarked about how the company is working for the wrong team, helping the Russian government instead of snatching the web platform from them.
The company’s CEO supported his company’s choice. the CEO stated the company hasn’t yet banned the sites; and is simply requesting that folks relocate “When it comes to infrastructure services, there are lots of alternative options available, so this isn’t ‘deplatforming.’
“I understand and relate with those who are opposed to their government,” he continued, “but any tax they earn unavoidably goes to the state.” Individuals in Ukraine are out on the street who are continuously being targeted at the moment, and I cannot remain to aid the Russian government in any way in good faith.”
Though now, the company is changing its policy to provide exceptions for Russian-based users who intend to use the company’s web hosting service to protest the conflict.
“To start with, we will leave room for any media against Putin’s government, protest resources, and any form of website that aids at the end of this military conflict and dictatorship by Putin – we continue to invite you to use our services. Graciously accept our apologies for any inconvenience this has caused, and we appreciate you for your assistance in combating this injustice “the company stated
The organization is also prolonging the expiration date for all the other Russian-based customers from March 6th to March 22nd. If you have real grounds for needing further time, the company can provide authorization if you are judged suitable.
According to the service, it will give “free incognito domain registration and free web hosting to all protesting or anti-war sites in Russia or Belarus.”
the company has a significant team of colleagues in Ukraine who are presently being targeted by Russian assaults, according to the company.
the Ukrainian government is also requesting that ICANN, the nonprofit organization that oversees the web, cancel all domains assigned to Russia, including.ru. “All of these steps will assist users in seeking credible information in other domain zones, eliminating propaganda and deception,” a Ukrainian official is said to have emailed ICANN. But it is unlikely that ICANN will fulfill such a radical demand.
