At DNS Belgium, we believe that protecting and promoting human rights form an essential part of responsible and sustainable business conduct. As the registry operator for the .be, .vlaanderen and .brussels domain name zones, we recognise our responsibility to identify, prevent and, where necessary, address potential adverse impacts on human rights.
To promote these values, we have developed a human rights due diligence strategy. This strategy helps us identify risks, establish priorities, take appropriate measures and communicate transparently about them.
We aim to conduct our activities in a way that contributes to a safe, reliable and inclusive digital ecosystem for all users of our domain name zones.
Statement of commitment
DNS Belgium recognises the importance of human rights as an essential element of responsible and sustainable business conduct.
We are committed to:
- respecting human rights throughout our activities and business relationships;
- identifying and assessing potential adverse impacts on human rights;
- taking appropriate measures to prevent, mitigate or address risks;
- engaging in dialogue with our stakeholders on relevant human rights issues;
- communicating transparently about our approach and progress.
We pay particular attention to privacy, security, non-discrimination and access to remedy where rights may be affected by our activities.
Risk assessment and prioritisation
To gain insight into potential human rights risks, we conducted an assessment across our entire value chain. We used two complementary methodologies for this purpose.
Firstly, we used the Due Diligence Toolbox for SMEs, developed by HIVA–KU Leuven. This methodology helps organisations identify and assess human rights risks within their activities and value chains.
Secondly, we conducted an assessment based on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). We examined which fundamental rights could potentially be affected by our activities as the registry operator for the Belgian domain name zones.
The results of this assessment were then evaluated against our existing organisation-wide risk assessment. This allowed us to link human rights risks to our strategic risks and priorities.
Risks were prioritised based on the severity and likelihood of their potential impact on human rights, taking into account DNS Belgium’s specific role as the registry operator for the Belgian domain name zones.
Our assessment shows that the human rights risks most relevant to DNS Belgium relate to:
- the protection of personal data and privacy;
- digital security and cybersecurity;
- users’ trust in a safe online environment;
- equal treatment and non-discrimination;
- access to remedy and grievance mechanisms.
Based on these results, we have identified these themes as priority areas within our human rights approach.
In doing so, we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
How we address these risks
Protecting privacy and personal data
Privacy emerged from our assessment as one of the human rights aspects most relevant to DNS Belgium. We therefore pay particular attention to protecting personal data throughout our activities and services.
We do this by, among other things:
- applying privacy by design and privacy by default;
- periodically evaluating data processing activities;
- raising awareness of data protection among employees;
- implementing appropriate technical and organisational security measures.
Digital security and reliability
Our risk assessment shows that digital security is closely linked to fundamental rights such as security, privacy and trust. We therefore invest continuously in securing our systems, processes and infrastructure.
This includes:
- a structured information security policy;
- continuous monitoring of security risks;
- regular internal and external assessments;
- ongoing measures to strengthen the resilience and robustness of our infrastructure.
Trust in the domain name ecosystem
We take measures to help prevent and detect domain name abuse and to mitigate it where possible. In doing so, we contribute to a reliable online environment for internet users, organisations and businesses.
Our approach includes:
- identification and verification measures where appropriate;
- systems for detecting harmful activities;
- notice-and-action procedures;
- initiatives that contribute to a safer internet ecosystem.
Respect for equal treatment
The principle of non-discrimination is an integral part of our operations. We aim to treat employees, customers, registrar partners, suppliers and other stakeholders with respect.
Our terms and conditions stipulate, among other things, that a domain name must not be used in breach of the law, including where its use contributes to discrimination based on race, language, sex, religion or political opinion.
We also expect the parties with which we have business relationships to respect fundamental human rights, and we endorse the importance of an inclusive and respectful digital environment.
Access to remedy and grievance mechanisms
We believe it is important that stakeholders are able to raise questions, concerns or complaints. We therefore provide accessible communication channels and regularly evaluate whether our processes are sufficiently effective to ensure that reports are handled properly and carefully.
Monitoring
The implementation of our human rights approach is monitored through DNS Belgium’s existing governance, compliance and risk management processes. This monitoring is carried out by the Governance, Risk & Compliance Unit (GRC), in cooperation with the person responsible for sustainability and other relevant internal stakeholders.
We periodically evaluate whether our measures remain aligned with the identified risks, taking into account technological developments, changes in legislation and regulations, and stakeholder feedback.
Transparency
DNS Belgium is committed to communicating periodically about its approach to human rights risks and the progress of the associated measures. Relevant information is included in our sustainability reporting and other public communications.
Through transparent reporting, we aim to contribute to a responsible, safe and sustainable digital ecosystem and to further strengthen the trust of our stakeholders.
With this we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals