I see a couple of interesting WHOIS related paras: *Verification of contact information

*As described in more detail below, there are specifications and policies that may be created and that apply to the Registrars. Some of the specifications or policies may address a Registrar's obligation to verify the contact information supplied by the Registered Name Holder when the domain is first registered, as well as setting out requirements for periodic re-verification of contact information<http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/wdrp.htm> .

Registrars are also required to take "reasonable steps<http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/ra-agreement-21may09-en.htm#3.7.8>" to verify contact information in the event *any *person notifies the Registrar that contact information for a Registered Name is inaccurate. The Registrar also has obligations to act to correct inaccuracies in contact information that the Registrar becomes aware of, even if the inaccuracy was not reported by anyone.

The Registrar must also maintain proper contact information<http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/ra-agreement-21may09-en.htm#3.16> for itself, including a valid email and mailing address. This contact information should be posted on the Registrar’s website.

and Other Policies/Specifications

The Restored Names Accuracy Policy<http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/rnap.htm> (http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/rnap.htm) requires that when a registrar restores a name (from the redemption grace period) that had been deleted on the basis of submission of false contact data or non-response to registrar inquiries, the name must be placed on Registrar Hold status until the registrant has provided updated and accurate Whois information.

On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 11:24 AM, ICANN At-Large Staff < staff@atlarge.icann.org> wrote:

Dear All,

ICANN has published a document that identifies available registrant rights and responsibilities under the 2009 Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), on a webpage that summarizes available registrant rights and responsibilities including those that arise under ICANN Consensus Policies and specifications, as they are incorporated in the RAA:

http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/registrant-rights-responsibilities-en.htm .

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