Just when I thought institutions running the Internet are becoming more aware of the persistent problem of online harassment ICANN suggests this change, that would put many bloggers and writers at risk:
“The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is working on a program that would create new restrictions on the companies offering WHOIS privacy services, or “Providers.” Under the proposed new rules, Providers would be required to monitor your use of domain names and websites. Providers could be forced to terminate your privacy service and be required to publish your contact data in WHOIS. Likewise, Providers could be required to give your private contact details to anyone complaining that your website violates their trademark or copyright. None of these scenarios would require a court order, search warrant, or due process of any kind.”
Melissa McEwan wrote more about why this is a terrible, no good, very bad idea
at Shakesville. You can sign a petition by clicking on the link in the tiltle or here.
Thoughts?