New landing page resources will replace .uk domains suspended for criminal activity to help members of the public access appropriate guidance, says a report by Computer Weekly.

Nominet, the UK’s domain registrar, is launching law enforcement landing pages for suspended domains related to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the National Crime Agency (NCA), extending an existing pilot programme.

In future, when such domains are suspended because of criminal activity, the new landing pages will redirect web users who access them to secure, Nominet-hosted sites containing further advice and guidance. Until now, users would just have seen an error message in their browser.

For suspended domains linked to the MHRA, the redirects will flag information on how to buy medicines online safely, helping to protect patient health by preventing the purchase of fake medicines. For those linked to the FCA, the redirects will provide information on financial scams and how to protect yourself. The NCA’s page will assist in redirecting users to the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime.

Mark Steward, FCA executive director of enforcement and market oversight, added: “We are pleased to join Nominet’s landing page pilot, which will provide education and resources to the most impacted consumers when a .uk domain is being used criminally. Redirecting domains to our ScamSmart landing page will be a key tool used by the FCA to disrupt scammers and protect consumers.”

Eleanor Bradley, Nominet’s managing director of registry and public benefit, said the pilot aimed to improve transparency, prevent harm and educate the general public to interact more safely online.

“Our landing page initiative is just one example of how we go above and beyond to make .uk the safest place in the world to be online,” said Bradley.

“In addition to clarifying why the domain has been suspended, these bespoke pages will direct the public to official government resources designed to help them buy medicines safely, avoid financial scams and report fraud.

“These pages are designed to give vital information and support to the UK public at a time when they need it most, while still disrupting criminal activity.”