Subject: [Soac-infoalert] ICANN News Alert -- ICANN Launches WHOIS Website Beta
Date: November 5, 2013 9:03:34 AM PST
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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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