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Will ICANN Scrap WHOIS Database?
Vote tomorrow in response to privacy complaints
ICANN will vote tomorrow on whether or not to trash the WHOIS database, in response to complaints from privacy advocates who say that the database is frequently abused by scammers and spammers. The advocates argue that individuals should not have to divulge private information simply to register the website. Of course, the AP suggests that the threat of terminating WHOIS could simply be an effort to get ICANN and others to address privacy shortcomings and institute reform.

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SilverSurfer1
join:2007-08-19

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SilverSurfer1

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Lies and Distortions

This is less a complaint from "privacy advocates," as in real privacy advocates for real people vs those who are registered and aren't interested in being contacted for legitimate purposes, e.g. process of service.

These self same "privacy advocates" are likely the same boobs who create a website and then proceed to pilfer money from unsuspecting consumers and they are upset because anyone who knows of its existence can just as easily check WHOIS and determine precisely where and with whom to contact when various nefarious activities are afoot with the registered site owner(s).

I've had countless occasions to use WHOIS in tracking down wayward website owners whose only contact information is found on WHOIS. In fact, if not for WHOIS, these website owners would all be largely phantoms with no way to contact them.

On a personal note, I am personally registered by name on WHOIS for several sites and I have yet to have my privacy violated and I enjoy my privacy very much.