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Explore the Draft Next Generation gTLD Directory Services Model

24 June 2013

Updated on 8 August 2013 – please refer to: http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-08aug13-en.htm

ICANN has embarked on an effort to reinvent today's WHOIS system. Be part of the solution and join the discussion...online and at ICANN's Durban meeting.

There are different ways to share your perspective with us:

Input to the EWG will be publicly archived

As the Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG), we have proposed a paradigm shift – a new system in which gTLD registration data is collected, validated and disclosed for permissible purposes only, with some data elements being accessible only to authenticated requestors that are then held accountable for appropriate use. Our objective is to reexamine and define the purpose of collecting and maintaining gTLD directory data, consider how to safeguard the data, and propose a next generation solution that will better serve the needs of the global Internet community.

In our Initial Report [PDF, 1.7 MB], we identify the design features and principles that we think are essential in this new system, and a proposed Model for the next generation data directory services to replace WHOIS.

Help shape this paradigm shift by sharing your reaction to our recommendations [PDF, 1.7 MB] and answering the questions linked below (click on "Share Your Thoughts"). Did we meet our objective? Do the recommendations address your concerns? How can we make them better?

Share Your Thoughts

There are different ways to share your perspective with us:

  • Provide your input through our online questionaire by 12 August 2013 – 23:59 UTC
  • A webinar on Monday, 8 July at 15:00-16:30 UTC: we will walk you through our proposal and invite you to share your views and input.
  • A consultation in Durban on Monday, 15 July: we will present the outcome of our work and open the floor for any questions or feedback you may have. A recording of the session will be made available shortly after the meeting;
  • Submit comments by email: input-to-ewg@icann.org

Input to the EWG will be publicly archived

All input received by August 12 will be carefully considered as we finalize our recommendations and bring our work to a conclusion. To help focus your attention, we request your feedback on a set of questions, although you are free to comment on any aspect of the Initial Report.

Sincerely,

Members of the Expert Working Group on gTLD Directory Services (EWG)

More Information

Our work stems from the Board's directive to redefine the purpose and provision of gTLD registration data, while balancing data accuracy and access issues with safeguards for protecting data. We considered the important community work done over the last decade by the GNSO, the SSAC, the WHOIS Review Team, the GAC and others. Our Initial Report [PDF, 1.7 MB] reflects our consensus view of the design principles and features needed for a new system. Our proposed Model highlights how these design principles and features could be fulfilled in the ICANN domain ecosystem.

For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the EWG related to its Initial Report.

What's Next?

We will consider your input and present a final report containing our recommended design principles, features, and suggested Model to ICANN's CEO and Board when our work is concluded. This output will feed into a Board-initiated GNSO policy development process to serve as a foundation for the GNSO's creation of new consensus policy, and contractual negotiations, as appropriate.

To view the Expert Working Group's activities, please refer to the EWG wiki.

Initial Report Executive Summary

Initial Report