New ICANN domain rules :: Important Read!

[Jason]

For anyone who registered their own domain names, you should be aware of this new policy.  Basically it states that instead of verifying your identity, if someone requests to transfer your domain and you DON'T respond within 5 days, the transfer goes through.  Essentially, if you don't "lock" your domain and someone puts in a transfer and you don't check your email or respond within 5 days, your ownership is lost.  Please read below or ask me if you have questions.  I am going to lock down all domains that Charlottezweb manages so that this is not an issue for anyone who has registered through CZWeb.

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Posting an article from "Web Host Industry Magazine" in it's entirety.
http://thewhir.com/marketwatch/ica111004.cfm

New ICANN Rules Could Allow Hijacking
November 10, 2004 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- According to research and analysis firm Netcraft (netcraft.com), domain names may become easier to hijack under new domain transfer rules set by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (icann.org).

Under the new regulations, domain transfer requests will be automatically approved in five days unless the domain owner explicitly denies the request. Essentially, a non–response is the equivalent to saying "yes" to a domain transfer request. Prior to the changes, ownership of a domain could not change hands in the absence of a response to the transfer request.

The new rules go into effect on Friday.

Netcraft said the new rules could adversely affect domain owners who do not closely manage their records. Of particular risk, Netcraft said, are accounts with out-of-date contact information, as WHOIS database information will be used to inform domain owners of transfer requests.

According to Netcraft's report, Web host Go Daddy (godaddy.com) is sending out letters informing its customers of ICANN's new regulations.


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Here's an excerpt of another alert I received:

Effective November 12, 2004, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will institute a new transfer policy for all accredited domain name service providers.

The previous ICANN policy allowed us to deny requests to transfer your domain names to another registrar unless you explicitly confirmed to us your intent to transfer. The new ICANN policy removes that protection. Starting November 12, when we receive a request to transfer your domain name to a new registrar, we will still attempt to contact you to confirm that you authorized the request. However, if you do not respond, or are not able to respond within 5 days, your domain name WILL be transferred.

Regards,
Jason