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 > > >