ICANN RDP Changes – What You Need to Know

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is introducing a new Registration Data Policy (RDP). These changes affect how domain ownership is defined and what information is shared publicly. Here’s what you need to know—and how to take action if needed.

What’s Changing?

Starting May 28, 2025, registrants will receive a one-time email notifying them that the Organization field in their domain contact information will officially determine who is recognized as the legal owner of the domain.

Email Communication

If your domain’s contact record includes an entry in the Organization field, you will receive an email starting May 28, 2025, with the following information:

✅ What the Email Will Tell You:

• If the Organization field is filled in, that organization will be the legal domain owner.
• If you wish to be recognized as the individual owner, you must remove the Organization field.
• If you want your organization to remain as owner, make sure:
  • The Organization name is correct, and
  • Any personal information (like your name) is replaced with organization-level details.
• Your Organization information will not appear in public WHOIS results unless you explicitly opt in.

Key Steps to Take

Depending on your preference, take one of the following actions:

Option 1: You Want to Be Listed as the Individual Owner

• Remove any entry in the Organization field of your domain’s contact information.

Option 2: You Want an Organization to Be the Owner

• Ensure the Organization name is accurate.
• Remove your personal data (e.g., full name) if it’s currently in the Organization field.

⚠️ Note: Changing the Organization field will trigger a Registrant Email Verification process. You must complete this to avoid domain suspension. 

This will result in additional emails being sent to the registrant:

• Approval of the ownership change notice
  To avoid having this email sent to registrants, you can enable OpenSRS to act as Designated Agent.
• GDPR Consent Management Process notice
  This contains a link to the registrant's Data Sharing Preferences page.

Ownership Change Process

Owner Change Order Process:

1. Update or remove the Organization field.
2. A verification email is sent to the registrant.
3. Once verified, the change is applied.
4. If not verified, the domain will be suspended.

❗ If the verification isn’t completed, your domain will be suspended.

WHOIS Information

By default, your contact details (including Organization) will not be published in public WHOIS results.

• If you want your information to be public, contact us to opt in.
• If you want it to stay private, no action is required.

Key Dates

Additional Information

• Tucows - Email to registrants with an organization value

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