Check out this article if you are interesting in learning about some of the changes that may affect the WHOIS database, such as making it private. The rest of it can be found at:
ICANN needs to clamp down on domain name abuse | Perspectives | CNET News.com
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One of the questions on the table for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) at its meeting in Marrakech, Morocco is the future of the WHOIS database. Currently, the WHOIS database contains names, contact information and technical data for every registrant of a domain name. ICANN requires accredited registrars to collect this information and make it publicly available. This public access is one of the key tools used by companies and individuals in protecting their marks from cybersquatters. However, ICANN has received some feedback suggesting that WHOIS should contain only technical data, should not be public and should not be used as a vehicle for resolving domain name disputes. Changing the rules to keep WHOIS information private could further exacerbate the problem of cybersquatting by hiding registrant information from those seeking to take action and initiate domain name disputes. ICANN’s decision on this issue could have a serious impact on efforts to curb domain name speculation and cybersquatting.
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