ICANN’s New Initiative: The RDRS
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) inaugurated its new online Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) on November 27. This service facilitates requests for information that is not publicly available about domain names, including the names and contact details of their holders. It represents a significant development in accessing domain-related non-public information.
Scope and Features of RDRS
Designed to standardize access to non-public data for generic top-level domains (gTLDs), RDRS applies only to ICANN-governed generic extensions and not to country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), which are managed by individual country authorities. The “non-public data” includes legal entities’ names, personal addresses, and telephone numbers associated with a domain name holder. This information is not publicly accessible but is supposed to be available to entities with legitimate interests, such as law enforcement, lawyers, and cybersecurity professionals.
RDRS Users and Process
The service allows registrars, who have activated RDRS, to be queried at no charge for non-public registration data. However, ICANN notes that the service does not guarantee obtaining this data but rather harmonizes the procedures for contacting the registrar. The initial models of this service were proposed in June 2023, followed by discussions on simplifying the procedure over the summer. The first registrars are partaking in a 2-year trial phase (2024 and 2025) to analyze the usage of the service and evaluate its significance.
This new service is part of ICANN’s efforts to regulate internet domain names and associated data access processes. It holds significant potential as a resource, especially for cybersecurity, legal, and law enforcement entities. The development of RDRS aims to facilitate the process of accessing non-public data related to domain names and establish a standard in this area. With this service, relevant parties can potentially access the necessary information more quickly and effectively.