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US and EU Clash Over Whois Data
itwbennett writes "ICANN wants to store more data (including credit card information) about domain name registrations in its Whois database, wants to hold on to that data for two years after registration ends, and wants to force registrant contact information to be re-verified annually — moves that are applauded by David Vladeck, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. The E.U.'s Article 29 Working Group is markedly less enthusiastic, saying ICANN's plans trample on citizens' right to privacy."
Why would you store credit card information in WHOIS? I already get mail from registrars wanting me to "renew" my domains (read Transfer them to them) for a "reduced rate" of $30 (I pay $12 a year).
This is just another intentionally misleading headline. Card data is not going into whois.
The issue is requiring registrars to hang on to CC data so that governments would be able to "lawfully" request from the registrar if that registrar is operating within jurisdiction of said goverment.
Rather than addressing data retention standards with legislation as decided by each countries government...such as thru a billing passed by congress and signed by the president they are essentially attempting an end run around democractic process to get a desired outcome.
None if it is defensible...both ICANN and FTC are in the wrong regardless of what you feel about the issue of data retention.