The Whois Data Reminder Policy or WDRP is a consensus policy adopted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which requires domain name registrants to review the contact information associated with their domain names and make corrections when necessary. As a part of this, domain name registrars are required to formally remind their customers once a year to review and update their contact information. For detailed information about the adoption of the WDRP, see http://www.icann.org/registrars/wdrp.htm.

I just received a WDRP notice. Is this a legitimate request?

The purpose of the WDRP notice is to remind domain name registrants of their obligation to update contact information on file for their domain names. Although you should always be wary of phishing messages and other fraudulent emails, a legitimate WDRP notice email serves an important purpose. For suggestions to avoid phishing scams, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm

Why is ICANN contacting me regarding the WDRP? ICANN is not my registrar.

ICANN oversees the domain name system, but it does not send out WDRP notices. WDRP notices are sent by domain name registrars in order to comply with an ICANN policy. Although some registrars might send out messages from an “icann@” email account, these messages do not come from ICANN. ICANN requires domain name registrars to send WDRP notices to registrants in order to ensure that Whois records are maintained accurately.

What is a Whois record? What is my duty to keep the information in the record current?

Your registrar maintains a public database of contact information for all of the domain names it maintains. This database is known as a Whois database, and it is available to be searched by members of the public in order to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. Your domain name registration agreement with your registrar requires that you keep this information accurate and current.

I received a WDRP notice, but my information is correct. Is any action required on my part to ensure my domain registration is not affected?

When sending WDRP notices, registrars are required to remind their customers that the provision of false Whois information can be grounds for cancellation of a domain name registration. If your information is correct, your domain name will not be cancelled and you do not need to take any action.

Does the WDRP notice indicate that someone complained about my website or domain name?

Annual WDRP notices are sent to all registrants of gTLD domain names (such as .com, .org, .info, etc.). If you received one of these notices, it does not mean that someone complained about your site or your domain name. Although your registrar might contact you if it receives a complaint about your domain name, this would not be in the form of a WDRP notice.

How do I update my contact information / Whois record?

ICANN does not maintain Whois data. In order to update your contact information in the Whois database, you will need to contact your registrar. If you registered your domain at DS-Hosting Solutions then we give you full domain name magement tools to update your contact information. You can login to your client center and surf to “Manage Domains” in the left navigation menu. Find the domain you wish to update and click the icon. Now you can update your “Contact Information” by clicking the link for that domain’s left navigation menu item.

I’m having trouble updating my Whois data. Can I just send it to ICANN?

No. ICANN does not maintain Whois records. Please open a support ticket if you registered your domain through DS-Hosting Solutions. Otherwise you need to contact your current domain registrar.

I cancelled the registration of my domain name and am still receiving WDRP emails. Is this appropriate?

You should contact your registrar or open a support ticket if you registered your domain through DS-Hosting Solutions for more information.