ICANN redesigns its system for inaccurate domain name registration data

December 30, 2008

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In a new ruling that will introduce the first major improvement since its launch in November 2002, domain name controlling body ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has completely redesigned its registration system for receiving reports of inaccurate domain name data.

This will give complainants the power to send detailed Who Is inaccuracy information to domain registrars who can then more easily investigate such issues.

Less than two weeks ago, ICANN announced a major update to its "Whois Data Problem Reporting System," which was first launched six years ago, in an effort to improve Whois data accuracy and help registrars take reasonable steps in fully investigating Whois inaccuracy claims - which they are required to do.

While further enhancements have been made over the past few years, ICANN describes the latest as a "comprehensive system redesign," allowing ICANN to make future enhancements quickly to respond to community needs, and to better ensure a higher level of integrity and compliance in the domain registration system.

According to ICANN, and with less than 25,000 inaccuracy reports filed in 2002, the number of Whois inaccuracy reports filed through this system has increased tremendously in recent years, and the number is now growing to more than 200,000 since March of this year.

Receiving the attention of domain and Internet-focused blogs on Dec. 22, WDPRS has many improvements over the previous system according to ICANN. Streamlining the system, WDPRS no longer accepts duplicate reports regarding the same domain name and removes reports for domains already on hold.

It has also added greater capacity for bulk submissions of reports and new processes to assess registrar compliance with RAA Whois inaccuracy investigation requirements.

A number of domain name registrars have their own invalid Whois complaint system for domains registered with them, but ICANN hopes to further provide a more streamlined system to improve Whois accuracy, registrar compliance and technical capabilities overseen by the Internet community.

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Source: ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)

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