policy-staff@xxxxxxxxx

[Ryan Gard <ryangard@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN Governing Body,

Regarding the proposed rules governing companies that provide WHOIS privacy
services (as set forth in the Privacy and Policy Services Accreditation
Issues Policy document):

I steadfastly urge you to respect the rights and privacy of all that use
the internet, and further those who choose to register a domain to ensure
they are provided the rights of due process and privacy.

Everyone deserves the right to privacy, regardless of being a corporate
entity or individual using the internet and registering a domain
allocation. Further to this, personally identifiable information should not
be disclosed without a court order, regardless of the source of the request
as this provides judicial overview into the disclosure of information and
ensures that if the privacy of a corporate entity or individual is
violated, there is just cause.

The existing framework in place in regards to WHOIS privacy services serves
the public's best interests as it stands and should not be amended. In the
advancing day and age of internet harassment, forcing those who engage in
commercial activities to waive the right to use WHOIS privacy services
could be a death blow, as small business owners are forced to provide their
home address and are opening the door to being harassed by individuals.

Please take into consideration the small business owners across the globe
that would be affected by the reverberations of such a decision, and would
therefore be forced to rethink their presence online and choose between
having an online presence or maintaining their privacy.

If you require further elaboration or comments, feel free to reach out to
me accordingly.

Thank you for your time.
-- 
Ryan Gard