Registration Directory Service Review (RDS formerly known as WHOIS)
The Registration Directory Service Review, formerly known as "WHOIS" (RDS-WHOIS2) is mandated by ICANN Bylaws Section 4.6(e) to assess the effectiveness of the then current gTLD registry directory service and whether its implementation meets the legitimate needs of law enforcement, promoting consumer trust and safeguarding registrant data.
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Review | Community | Board Action | Implementation |
RDS3 Status: Deferred pending community dialogue on ICANN Reviews. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
RDS-WHOIS2 | Concluded in 2019 Final Report | Board Resolution 25 February 2020Board Resolution 21 December 2023 | See implementation page for more information |
WHOIS1 (conducted under the Affirmation of Commitments)*Archived | Concluded in 2012 Final Report | Board Resolution 8 November 2012 | See implementation page for more information |
*The first WHOIS Policy Review (WHOIS1) was initiated under the Affirmation of Commitments (AoC) in December 2015. Further to a recommendation made by the Cross-Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability (Work Stream 1), AoC Reviews were incorporated into ICANN Bylaws in May 2016 as a result of the IANA Stewardship Transition