For how long can ICANN continue to ignore the warnings from data protection commissioners (like the Article 29 Working Party) that ICANN's WHOIS policy violates the privacy rights of Internet users?

The below ICANN "announcement" is rather startling in how it tries to sell (and further entrench) its WHOIS policy without any regard for the bottom-up policy process.

Robin

Begin forwarded message:

> From: David Olive <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: [Soac-infoalert] ICANN News Alert -- ICANN Launches WHOIS Website Beta
> Date: November 5, 2013 9:03:34 AM PST
> To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
> 
> 
>> 
>> 
>> [http://www.icann.org/images/gradlogo_bow.jpg]<http://www.icann.org/>
>> News Alert
>> 
>> http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-04nov13-en.htm
>> 
>> ________________________________
>> ICANN Launches WHOIS Website Beta
>> 
>> 4 November 2013
>> 
>> Following through on community recommendations for improving
>> accountability and transparency, ICANN has launched the first phase of a
>> new "one-stop" online resource about the WHOIS directory service. This
>> new information website provides a clear and easy-to-understand
>> explanation of how to access existing WHOIS information on who has
>> registered domain names. It also makes it easy to notify relevant parties
>> of a data accuracy issue.
>> 
>> Members of the community are invited to view the beta site and provide
>> comments via feedback forms. ICANN staff and the design team will
>> consider all comments and suggestions as we continually improve the site.
>> 
>> Previously, it was difficult to get a holistic understanding of WHOIS as
>> information was highly distributed over many different websites. This new
>> website, whois.icann.org<http://whois.icann.org>, will be a centralized
>> location for all WHOIS information, making it easier to learn about
>> WHOIS, raise accuracy issues about WHOIS information and how to
>> contribute to WHOIS policies. ICANN expects to launch an integrated
>> search function in January 2014 as part of the site's second phase.
>> 
>> The WHOIS directory service is an essential tool used by many people and
>> organizations every day. Anyone who needs to know who is behind a
>> website, domain name can look it up via WHOIS directory information.
>> Network administrators, registry operators, domain name registrants,
>> governments, law enforcement, consumer groups, and the international
>> Internet community find it crucial.
>> 
>> In addition to identifying domain name holders, WHOIS data also allows
>> network administrators and others to find and fix system problems and to
>> maintain Internet stability. With it, they can determine the availability
>> of domain names, combat spam or fraud, identify trademark infringement
>> and enhance accountability of domain name registrants. WHOIS data is
>> sometimes used to track down and identify registrants who may be posting
>> illegal content or engaging in phishing scams.
>> 
>> The Affirmation of Commitments requires ICANN to "maintain timely,
>> unrestricted and public access to accurate and complete WHOIS
>> information...." It also calls for a review of WHOIS policy and its
>> implementation every three years to assess its effectiveness in meeting
>> legitimate needs of law enforcement and promoting consumer trust. This
>> new website is the result of recommendations made by the last review
>> panel.
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> David A. Olive
>> Vice President, Policy Development Support
>> General Manager, ICANN Regional Headquarters ­Istanbul
>> 
>> Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
>> 
>> Hakki Yeten Cad. Selenium Plaza No:10/C K:5
>> 34349 Fulya, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
>> 
>> Tel: +90.212.381.8727 - Fax: +90.212.381.8731 - Mobile: +1. 202.341.3611
>> 
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