Access and the Evolution of the WHOIS System
Within the ICANN multistakeholder model, changes to RDDS requirements and procedures occur in the following ways:
- ICANN's Bylaws require periodic reviews to assess the effectiveness of RDDS and whether its implementation meets the legitimate needs of law enforcement, promoting consumer trust, and safeguarding registrant data. Learn more about Specific Reviews here.
- Changes to RDDS obligations can be accomplished through the contract amendment clauses in the RAA and in each of the Registry Agreements. For example, amendments to the base gTLD Registry Agreement (RA) and 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), which were approved by the ICANN Board on 30 April 2023, specify operational requirements for providing RDDS via RDAP. Learn more about RDAP here.
- Consensus policies created through recommendations developed by the GNSO, as approved by the Board in accordance with procedures under the ICANN Bylaws, can also change RDDS obligations. Learn more about ICANN Consensus Policies here.
As privacy legislation continues to evolve, ICANN org focuses on implementing policies and building systems to facilitate access to registration data related to gTLDs for legitimate interests, while at the same time complying with the law.
Learn more and find the latest information on Data Protection and Privacy at ICANN here.