Contractual Compliance Monthly Update | September 2012
Table of Contents 1
Audit Program Update
Audit Outreach Sessions for Registrars and Registries
In an effort to increase transparency, collaboration and knowledge, ICANN held three Audit Outreach Sessions for Registrars and Registries about the audit program; this effort allowed for focused discussion as well as direct interactions. Click here for the link to the outreach page: http://www.icann.org/en/resources/compliance/outreach.
Approval to Proceed with the Three-Year Audit Program
The Board Finance Committee (BFC) recommended, and the Board of Directors authorized "the President and CEO, or his designees, to negotiate for and enter into a contract with an appropriate Audit Program service provider, and make all required disbursements called for under that contract …" (see http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-03oct12-en.htm#1.d). This decision further emphasizes ICANN's commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and successful contractual compliance function.
Please visit ICANN's re-designed Contractual Compliance Audit Site, for current and future audit activities at: http://www.icann.org/en/resources/compliance/audits.
Registrar Update
Improving Whois Inaccuracy Complaints Handling
Application enhancements were completed to the Whois Data Problem Reporting System on 15 September 2012. The enhancements were to:
- Align with the current contractual compliance process by reducing the notification process steps from five to three, thus shortening time to resolution; and
- Improve processing quality and effort by reviewing all tickets prior to sending to registrars.
ICANN would like to thank the registrars that volunteered to test the enhanced system and process. Great team work!
Outreach and Education to Improve Quality of Submitted Whois Inaccuracy Reports
Between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012, ICANN received 33,190 Whois inaccuracy reports. Based on the analysis, about 30 percent of these are invalid or improper. In an effort to reduce the large volume of improper reports, ICANN is reaching out to a number of individuals to inform them of the "improper or invalid" reason their ticket was closed. This effort should improve the accuracy of the data and the turn-around time of reports.
Transfer Policy Outreach Webinar on 25 September 2012
As part of an on-going outreach effort, ICANN conducted a webinar in Mandarin on the current Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy and Contractual Compliance process for registrars in China on 25 September 2012. The webinar was intended to promote better awareness and improve registrar compliance. Over 40 representatives from 27 registrars attended. Currently, there are 33 ICANN-accredited registrars in China. Click here for the link to the outreach page: http://www.icann.org/en/resources/compliance/outreach.
General Update on Complaints Handling and Enforcement Summary
UDRP Procedural Issues
ICANN received an increased number of reports from the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) service providers alleging that registrars were not responding to verification requests.
In accordance with the current contractual compliance process, the registrars concerned were requested to respond to the UDRP provider and to provide ICANN with relevant registration data and records to demonstrate their compliance with the Registrar Accreditation Agreement or UDRP requirements. If registrars did not respond to ICANN inquiries, escalated compliance actions would follow. As noted in a recent notice of breach issued to a non-compliant registrar http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/serad-to-mak-21sep12-en.
"…registrars play a key part of the UDRP process and are strongly encouraged to timely cooperate with ICANN-approved dispute resolution providers during the verification process to assist in the efficient resolution of UDRP matters."
Complaints Handling and Enforcement Summary
The chart below shows the volume of complaints, based on the 123-notification process. Please note the chart does not include Whois Inaccuracy complaints.
Please refer to Contractual Compliance Notices for up-to-date information.
1 This update is provided for information purposes only. Please exercise judgment in using the information contained within this update to make conclusions or business decisions based upon this update.
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