Abuse Notice | Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited
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Abuse Notice

Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation (HKIRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Trusted Notifier Network (TNN). TNN is a non-profit international coordination platform dedicated to handling internet abuse reports. By applying the “VINA Standards” (Verified, Indemnified, Non-automated, Accurate), TNN provides internet intermediaries with a trusted reporting channel that reduces legal risks, lowers operational burdens, and protects freedom of expression.

What is a “Trusted Notifier”?

A Trusted Notifier is a professional entity selected by registries or registrars to handle DNS abuse and content abuse issues. They operate under a written agreement that defines clear procedures for reporting suspected malicious online activities, such as phishing, malware, botnets, domain hijacking, and spam (when used as a delivery mechanism for other DNS abuse). This framework helps reduce societal harm, improve review accuracy and efficiency, lower operational costs, and share legal responsibility between registries, registrars, and the notifier.

TNN Requirements and Scope of Abuse Reporting The Trusted Notifier Network (TNN) requires that all abuse reports comply with the “VINA Standards”:

  • Verified: The reported abuse must be directly confirmed with the victim or affected party.
  • Indemnified: The victim must provide legal indemnity to protect the intermediary.
  • Non-automated: Reports must undergo human review; fully automated submissions are not accepted.
  • Accurate: Notifiers must maintain an accuracy rate of at least 98%, or they will be removed.

Scope of Abuse Reporting TNN defines eight categories of abuse reports:

1.DNS technical abuse (phishing, malware, botnets, spam, etc.)

2.Online scams and fraud (investment scams, crypto scams, impersonation, etc.)

3.Fake shops / shopping fraud

4.Illegal gambling

5.Illegal drug sales

6.CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material, confirmed by competent authority)

7.Trademark abuse (validated by TMCH data)

8.Copyright abuse (supported by verified ownership and evidence)