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Whois

Whois (pronounced as the phrase Who is) represents a protocol that is mainly used to used to find details and information about domain names, networks and hosts. The Whois records contain data referring to various organizations and contacts related to the domain names. The Whois protocols operate by means of a server where anyone is allowed to connect and create a query; the Whois server will then respond to this query and end the connection.

During the foundational period of the Internet the only organization that was responsible for the administration of domain name registrations was DARPA. As the Internet grew in the 1980s, the Whois system appeared with the purpose of administering and looking-up domain names, registrants and other resources related to domain name registration. Still, at that time there was only the one organization registering domains, so the system acted as a centralized query-based server. Over time the number of gTLDs significantly increased, which led to complex networks of registrars and related associations; in response the Whois servers became stronger and less permissive.[3] How to maintain both a privacy secure and safe Whois system, and an accurate database for contacts for any domain registrant, has been one of the most intractable issues at ICANN. Whois is one of 4 issues areas that is subject to Independent Review under ICANN's Affirmation of Commitments with the U.S. Government.[4] At ICANN 45 in Toronto, the fist opening ceremony address by new ICANN CEO, Fadi Chehadé, he memorably said that the Whois problem should not have been drawn out for 12 years and should not be a difficult problem to solve.[5][6] In late 2012, a senior executive at ICANN was brought in to focus exclusively on Whois.

Related: IANA - NTIA - ICANN

Latest Feature

ICANN 53 - Edit-a-thon

ICANNWiki is a small team of editors and contributors who have helped shape over 5,000 articles about ICANN, the DNS and Internet governance as a whole. Our goal is to continue to create and collaborate on relevant and educational articles that serve as a touchstone for our community. An edit-a-thon is a small, but powerful tool to start, grow or edit the information on ICANNWiki, and build a community of contributors.

Changes can start small--create or fill in your personal or company page, fix a small error. Or perhaps you have some insight into the history and trajectory of the new gTLD Program? Or, you're at the forefront of initiatives such as NETmundial or have something factual to contribute to our IANA Transition article? Come to our edit-a-thon and choose your level of participation!

Related: ICANN 53 - ICANN - ICANN Meetings

ICANN's new gTLD Program

* New gTLD Program Overview

* New gTLD Stats
* Community Priority Applications
* Active TLD Registration Stats

All New gTLD Applications

* Generic Applications * Geographic Applications * Brand Applications * IDN Applications