Topic: Study on misuse of WHOIS contact information for gTLD domain names

  

Originator: ICANN

  

Summary of request: http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/whois-misuse-27nov13-en.htm

The study, conducted by Carnegie Mellon University’s Cylab (CMU), examines the extent to which public Whois contact information for gTLD domain names is misused (i.e. harmful actions such as spam, phishing, identity theft or data theft are taken using gTLD registration data).

The findings from the study provide empirical data needed by the ICANN community to assess community concerns about misused Whois contact information, identify the most common forms of misuse, and highlight the effectiveness of anti-harvesting measures in reducing misuse. The findings will also inform future policy development by ICANN and the GNSO in relation to improvements to the Whois system. 

Date received: 28 November 2013

  

Last day for Comments/input/response, if any: 27 December 2013

  

Recommended action, if any: Inform community email lists (done)

  

Expertise needed, if any: General

  

Date of submission to Council: 4 December 2013

  

Last date of Council decision: 6 December 2013

  

Impact on ccNSO/ccTLDs: Low