ICANN Investigates Domain Name Front Running

[mandy]

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has begun an investigation  into accusations that some insiders may be using inside information to collect data and purchase unregistered domain names that get a lot of DNS lookup requests—nonexistent domains that surfers frequently try to access. ICANN refers to the practice as "domain name front running," adding that it—along with several registrars and intellectual property attorneys—has received a number of complaints from registrants suggesting that such a thing has occurred. While the organization currently has no solid evidence on the matter as of yet, it feels that an investigation is warranted in order to nip in the bud any perceptions that the domain name industry is involved in unethical activity...

full article: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/200...tions.html

[Kristijntje]

Out-law with a related article:

Someone might be stealing your domain name searches, says ICANN
...ICANN has launched a probe into the practice of what it calls domain name front running.

This is where a person checks if a desired domain name is available to register, then finds that it has been taken when they return shortly afterwards to register the name.

ICANN said that there are widespread suspicions that checks for availability are being monitored and the information used to register desired addresses in order to sell them back to the user at a profit...

full article: http://www.out-law.com/page-8580