November 10, 2004

According to research and analysis firm Netcraft, domain names may become easier to hijack under new domain transfer rules set by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Under the new regulations, domain transfer requests will be automatically approved in five days unless the domain owner explicitly denies the request.

Essentially, a non–response is the equivalent to saying "yes" to a domain transfer request. Prior to the changes, ownership of a domain could not change hands in the absence of a response to the transfer request.

The new rules go into effect on Friday, November 12.

Netcraft said the new rules could adversely affect domain owners who do not closely manage their records.

Of particular risk, Netcraft said, are accounts with out-of-date contact information, as WHOIS database information will be used to inform domain owners of transfer requests.

According to Netcraft's report, Web host Go Daddy is sending out letters informing its customers of ICANN's new regulations.

Source: The WHIR