ICANN Registration Data Policy (RDP) Update – Effective 21st August 2025

Summary (Key Takeaways)

• The changes apply only to gTLDs (e.g. .com, .net, .org, .info).
• .uk domains are not affected.
• Since 21st August 2025:
  • Company Name / Organization field = legal owner.
  • Ecenica feature: Company Name / Organization is hidden in public WHOIS lookups.
• Action: Review and update your Company Name / Organization field and registrant details if needed.

Introduction

ICANN, the global coordinator for domain names, has introduced a new Registration Data Policy (RDP).
The policy sets out how domain registration data must be collected, processed, and displayed by registrars and registries worldwide.

At Ecenica, our priority is ensuring compliance and protecting our customers’ data. This update brings consistency across the industry, while also enhancing privacy protections.

The changes only affect generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as:

• .com
• .net
• .org
• .info
• .shop

This does not apply to .uk domains. If you only own .uk domains, no action is required.

Key Changes Since 21st August 2025

• Company Name / Organization becomes the legal owner
  • If the Company Name / Organization field is filled in, that organisation is now legally recognised as the Registered Name Holder (domain owner).
  • If the field is left blank, the individual registrant listed will be the legal owner.
  • This applies to all gTLDs.
• Company Name / Organization redaction in WHOIS/RDAP (an Ecenica feature)
  • If you provide a Company Name / Organization, it will generally be hidden from public WHOIS/RDAP lookups by default.
  • This ensures your organisation’s identity is protected while remaining compliant with ICANN requirements.
  • At Ecenica, we provide this automatically to safeguard your business information.
• Reduced contact data collected and stored
  • Registries are adopting a “thin” data model.
  • Only the minimum data required will be transmitted or stored.
  • Administrative, billing, and technical contacts may no longer be stored or passed to registries unless required.

What You Should Do

If you own a gTLD domain, please take a moment to review your registration details:

1. Check the Company Name / Organization field
   • If your domain is owned by a business, ensure the correct company name is entered.
   • If you wish ownership to remain with an individual, leave the field blank.
2. Verify your contact details
   • Confirm that the registrant name, email address, and phone number are accurate and up to date.
3. Consider ownership preference
   • Remember: the entity listed in the Company Name / Organization field is now legally recognised as the domain owner.

If you only hold .uk domains, you do not need to take any action.