WHOIS Privacy

[Vinny H <mysticbeta@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN –

There are many legitimate, legal and very good reasons why an individual's
information should not be revealed via WHOIS

It is a common occurrence for domain name owners to have their information
logged, scraped and misused through WHOIS and sold to scammers and
criminals who will exploit the information for malicious purposes. It also
instigates internet abuse for individuals who owns a domain name and a
personal website (example: Swatting, doxing).

It is understandable for certain businesses to have their WHOIS information
publicly revealed. The new ICANN proposal appears to be in favor of
copyright holders and anti-piracy groups. This not only affects businesses,
but the individual. It is currently not impossible for anyone to obtain
information on a domain/website owner. If information is easily accessible,
it will be easily accessible for anyone to exploit that information for
malicious purposes. It is in everyone's best interest to go through the
proper legal channels to obtain anyone's information.

It isn't about a few bad eggs, it is about the individual. There are some
who own personal websites, some who own small businesses who can not afford
office space and freelancers and independent workers. It is much more
important for these individuals to retain the right to protect their
personal information for whatever reason and in turn, allowing them to
continue contributing toward the economy and internet community/diversity.

There is no point in forcing domain name owners into revealing their
information. Alternative mailing addresses can be used. Falsifying
information is not uncommon either. It is relatively easy to obtain a phone
number and/or an email address. Even if proof is required to register a
domain name, who is to say the proof isn't falsified or provided with
alternate contact information? If this new policy goes through, there will
be a significant increase in "proxy" information. If a fair and legal
method does not exist, an alternative, legal or not, will always appear.

The right to privacy is important to EVERYONE, including the copyright
holders themselves.Private information should be kept private.

Thank you,
Vinny H.