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Should WHOIS Database be Entirely Public?
Posted by James Grimmelmann on Wednesday, June 16 @ 17:31:23 EDT
Contributed by netzar
Privacy
netzar writes "In a recent CircleID article, Rod Dixon says: 'Each [WHOIS] Task Force recently published a report posted on ICANN's website on recommendations for modifications or improvements to WHOIS. The Task Force recommendations include proposals ranging from a recommendation to notify those who may be included in the database of the possible uses of WHOIS data to one that recommends ICANN offer the Internet community "tiered access" to serve as a vague mechanism to balance privacy against the needs of public access.

Too many of the recommendations seem to be framed by those who view Internet users with hostility, such as the recommendation to punish domain name users when a domain name is cancelled or suspended for "false contact data," by canceling all other registrations with identical contact data. In the main, however, recommendations reflect at least a sentimental, if not serious, attempt to balance competing interests. Still, something fundamental was overlooked by the Task Forces: a reflective reconsideration whether WHOIS should be an entirely public database.'"

 
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