So much about WHOIS, but no actual WHOIS!


-- 
Cheers,

McTim
"A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route
indicates how we get there."  Jon Postel


On Tue, Nov 5, 2013 at 5:35 AM, Amr Elsadr <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Apologies if the below email was obscure. I was trying to share an ICANN
> announcement on the launch of the WHOIS website beta on the NCSG list:
>
> 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, 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.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Amr
>
> On Nov 5, 2013, at 10:58 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:
>
>
> http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-04nov13-en.htm#.UnjBUjv6sqE.email
>
> --- This message was sent by [log in to unmask] via http://addthis.com.
> Please note that AddThis does not verify email addresses.
>
> To stop receiving any emails from AddThis, please visit:
> http://www.addthis.com/privacy/email-opt-out?e=_lpnBnoCJAFgFmoQehZJCWAWfRZsF39Lehx7S2wBfA
>
>
>