http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-18feb12-en.htm <http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-18feb12-en.htm> Public Comment: Roadmap to a New Domain Name Registration Data Access Protocol (WHOIS) 18 February 2012 ICANN is pleased to announce the posting of the draft roadmap <http://www.icann.org/en/committees/security/sac051-draft-roadmap-18feb12-en .pdf> [PDF, 214 KB] to implement ICANN's Security and Stability Advisory Committee's Report on Domain Name WHOIS Terminology and Structure (SAC 051). To make or view comments click here <http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/sac051-draft-roadmap-18feb12-en.htm> . The SSAC report specifically targets, among other things, the "internationalization" of the WHOIS protocol, reflecting concern about the inability of the current WHOIS protocol to consistently handle non-ASCII data. Additionally, SAC 051 recommends terminology to be used to clarify discussions where traditionally the terms Whois or WHOIS have been used. This roadmap explores the coordination of the technical and policy discussions necessary to implement the recommendations outlined in SAC 051: SSAC Report on Domain Name WHOIS Terminology and Structure. As requested by the Board resolution, ICANN posts this draft Roadmap for community consultation, requesting community input on the scope, timing, utility, challenges, and ways to overcome those challenges that should also be considered. Staff will be conducting a public workshop on the draft roadmap <http://www.icann.org/en/committees/security/sac051-draft-roadmap-18feb12-en .pdf> [PDF, 214 KB] at ICANN's meeting in Costa Rica as an additional means of consulting with experts and the community. In order to allow extensive time for community dialogue and comment, it is envisioned to have two public comment periods allowing the draft Roadmap to evolve with the input received. Following that, the report will be finalized for Board and community action by the Prague ICANN meeting in June 2012. ---------------------------- Heidi Ullrich, Silvia Vivanco, Matt Ashtiani, Gisella Gruber and Nathalie Peregrine ICANN At-Large Staff E-mail: staff@atlarge.icann.org