ICANN’s Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG) is recommending major changes to the way registrant data is provided to users.
The “Next Generation gTLD Directory Services Model” is intended to streamline the way data is retrieved and validated, and will restrict its disclosure to what it considers permissible purposes.
“It not only re-examines how data is collected and maintained, but also how the data is best safeguarded against illegitimate uses,” said Jean-Francois Baril, EWG’s lead facilitator.
The system could replace the WHOIS domain name registration system and change how generic domain names are registered and what happens to the registration data.
“With greater accuracy comes the need for greater accountability across all stakeholders,” noted Baril.
The proposed service would be responsible for validating and safeguarding registrant data from misuse. The group hopes that this proposal will further the discussion of the future of WHOIS.
Design principles recommended are authenticated access credentials, before sensitive data elements can be accessed, and only for specific permissible purposes described in EWG’s Initial Report. The group also recommends heightened privacy protections for those registrants that are considered to be at-risk.
The group will be hosting an open consultation at ICANN’s upcoming Durban meeting on Monday, July 15, where community members will be able to learn more about EWG proposals and ask questions.
