Harold:
You raise the right question. 

>>> Harold Feld <[log in to unmask]> 06/01/04 03:06PM >>>
>To what extent, if any, are the organizations in the NCUC reaching out
>on this issue to other organizations?  This is an issue of enormous
>public importance.

For those who are not following this closely, there are 3 task forces
related to Whois. 

NCUC was represented in the Whois efforts by myself (Task Force 1
on data mining by marketers) Kathy Kleiman (Task Force 2 on data elements) and Fran Wellings (Task Force 3 on data accuracy).

To date, we have had trouble generating much public involvement
or interest. However, this is a major opportunity to change 
Whois policy for the better. Up to now, law enforcement and
IPR interests have had just about everything they wanted
from ICANN, regardless of personal privacy. We have succeeded
in turning the tables slightly, by alliying with registrars and
calling in some of the data protection officials of governments.

Our efforts will be greatly strengthened if NCUC members
can spread the word about this and generate some public
comments upholding our views. 

I would ask Kathy and Fran (and myself) to summarize the
critical issues that need comment in their task force reports.
People here who want to comment can use these as a 
template for their comments. 

I will send a separate message doing that for Task Force 1
soon. 

--MM