ICANN seeks public feedback on RDRS SC Report
The GNSO’s request for feedback is an opportunity for all stakeholders, including civil society, to help shape how this balance is achieved. Comments submitted during this consultation will guide whether ICANN moves forward with a permanent solution, known as the System for Standardized Access/Disclosure (SSAD).
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is asking for public input on how requests for private domain registration data should be managed in the future. The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) has released the findings report of the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Standing Committee, which reviews the results of a pilot program launched in 2023. Feedback is open until 29 September 2025.
The RDRS was designed as a temporary solution after the introduction of Europe’s GDPR privacy law in 2018. Before GDPR, the WHOIS system made detailed domain registration data public. Under GDPR, much of that data was hidden, raising concerns among law enforcement, cybersecurity experts, journalists, and others who rely on such information to investigate fraud, misinformation, or security threats. The RDRS pilot aimed to test a standardised system where legitimate requests could be submitted, tracked, and reviewed more consistently.
Over its first year, around 94 registrars—covering about 60% of domain names—took part in the pilot. More than 2,400 requests were submitted, but only about a quarter were approved. While ICANN has added improvements like clearer instructions and better tracking tools, challenges remain. These include inconsistent responses from registrars, limited awareness of the system, and the fact that participation is voluntary.
For civil society, the outcome of this process is especially important. Advocacy groups, journalists, and consumer protection organisations often need access to domain registration data to investigate harmful online activity and hold powerful actors accountable. A fair and effective system must strike a balance—protecting individual privacy while ensuring transparency and accountability when legitimate needs arise.
The GNSO’s request for feedback is an opportunity for all stakeholders, including civil society, to help shape how this balance is achieved. Comments submitted during this consultation will guide whether ICANN moves forward with a permanent solution, known as the System for Standardized Access/Disclosure (SSAD).
