Comment

[Michael Marquardt <michaelmarquardt@xxxxx>]

Dear ICANN –

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 urge you to respect internet users' rights to privacy and due process. 
- Everyone deserves the right to privacy.
- No one’s personal information should be revealed without a court order, 
regardless of whether the request comes from a private individual or law 
enforcement agency. 

While I personally don't use any WHOIS protection service, I worry especially 
about minors (who do a lot of cool innovation which shouldn't be discouraged) 
and people who run controversial sites. I don't even do anything too 
controversial and I still receive threats from time to time. Requiring real 
WHOIS info would stifle freedom and innovation on the Internet.

Private information should be kept private. Thank you.