Keywords
WHOIS, Canadian Internet Registration Authority, CIRA, ICANN
Abstract
The WHOIS is a database directory of domain names and relevant contact information maintained by each top-level domain (TLD) registry, which lists all relevant registrant contact information for each domain name registration. Through its contracts, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires registries and registrars to collect and display technical information and contact details for all registrants. The WHOIS is an important component of the domain name system (DNS). The WHOIS is used for a wide variety of purposes by registries, registrars, registrants, law enforcement authorities, consumers, and the general public. The WHOIS may enable identification of a domain name registrant or a Web site operator who registers or uses a domain name that violates trade-mark rights, or an Internet service provider (ISP) that hosts a site with infringing materials. In addition, the WHOIS enables trade-mark owners to conduct searches to avoid possible conflicts, and helps consumers to find out who is operating commercial sites. The .ca WHOIS may be seen at http://www.cira.ca.
In November 2004, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) proposed a new policy for the .ca WHOIS. This article summarizes the current state of WHOIS issues and focuses on the CIRA proposal.
Recommended Citation
Sheldon Burshtein, "Whazup with the WHOIS?" (2005) 4:1 CJLT.
Included in
Computer Law Commons, Intellectual Property Law Commons, Internet Law Commons, Privacy Law Commons, Science and Technology Law Commons