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WHOIS Backgrounder

WHOIS Backgrounder

WHOIS is a common Internet search tool used to look up the contact information of domain name holders (Registrants). A WHOIS search returns information such as name, address, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses.

In June 2008, after a series of consultations with a variety of stakeholders, CIRA introduced its new WHOIS Privacy Policy. Under CIRA’s new WHOIS Privacy Policy, the information of individual Registrants is no longer accessible through the dot-ca WHOIS. The information of non-individual (i.e. corporate) Registrants continues to be displayed but may be protected in exceptional circumstances.

In order to facilitate communication with Registrants whose contact information is no longer displayed, CIRA developed the Message Delivery Form, an online process for passing correspondence from interested parties to Registrants.

Under specific, limited circumstances as outlined in the two policies referenced below, certain Registrant contact information may be disclosed.

CIRA’s WHOIS Policy and Disclosure Rules and Procedures were developed to provide a balanced approach that respects individual Registrant privacy while allowing for timely mechanisms for legitimate information requests.

WHOIS Disclosure Policy Rules and Procedures

With respect to certain, specific disputes that a user has not been able to resolve through the Message Delivery form, if such user wishes to contact the Registrant directly to resolve the dispute, CIRA may, under specific and limited circumstances, disclose certain specific contact information of Registrants that is not publicly available through the WHOIS search tool, via the Request for Disclosure of Registrant Information - Rules and Procedures.

Regarding Canadian law enforcement and national security agencies and the conduct of certain types of investigations, CIRA may also, under specific and limited circumstances, disclose certain specific contact information of Registrants that is not publicly available through the WHOIS search tool via the Request for Disclosure of Registrant Information for Law Enforcement and National Security Agencies - Rules and Procedures.

Since launching its WHOIS Privacy Policy in June 2008, CIRA has received a total of  41 requests pursuant to CIRA’s Request for Disclosure of Registrant Information - Rules and Procedures. Of those 41:

  • 26 were related to the claimed infringement of a Requestor’s registered trademark. Following review by CIRA, each of these  was approved.
  • 2 were related to the claimed infringement of a Requestor’s registered copyright. Following review by CIRA,  each of these was approved.
  • 12 were related to the claimed infringement of a Requestor’s Canadian registered (Federal or Provincial) corporate, business or trade name. Following review by CIRA, each of these was approved.
  • 1 was related to a claim of identity theft. Following review by CIRA, this was rejected.

CIRA has received one request pursuant to its Request for Disclosure of Registrant Information for Law Enforcement and National Security Agencies - Rules and Procedures relating to Enforcing a Child Exploitation Law in Canada. Following review by CIRA, this was approved.