The IGDA regularly monitors issues that may affect game developers, and we’d like to inform members about a serious issue regarding the privacy of WHOIS information for business-related web domains. ICANN, the internet domain authority, has proposed changes to their existing WHOIS policies that would force the exposure of private owner information for any domain used for commercial purposes. These changes are primarily being sought by U.S.-based entertainment companies for the purpose of pursuing potential trademark and IP violations.

If approved, the changes would remove any privacy protections for commercial domains, regardless of the company’s size. Thus, for example, a solo independent game developer with a company website for their projects would have their personal address and contact information exposed with no means to hide such information from public access.

ICANN is currently inviting public feedback on the proposed changes. If you feel these changes may negatively affect your situation, we strongly encourage you to review the proposed changes and please take action to provide feedback to ICANN before 7 July 2015!