24-04-2005

IT managers with any of the 14 generic top level domains, such as .com, .org and .biz, in their portfolio risk losing them if they don't keep their registrar informed of their current contact details. 

Under new proposals from The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann), which is responsible for worldwide domain name policy, every domain owner will be obliged to update their full contact details on Icann's publicly available WHOIS database annually.

The proposal is expected to come into force by the end of May. 

Icann wants to increase the accuracy of its records by forcing owners to keep their details updated, which would help it resolve possible disputes.

Although domain owners currently have to supply full details to the WHOIS database, many do not and the policy has not been widely enforced leading to occasional confusion about domain ownership.

Details at: http://www.pcw.co.uk/News/1140432