News Releases

ASOP Global Applauds NTIA for Urging Congress to Protect Americans Online

Executive Branch Recognizes Critical Role WHOIS Data Access Plays in American Security and Safety

WASHINGTON – January 6, 2021 – As a member of the Coalition for a Secure and Transparent Internet (CSTI), the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global) signed recent letters applauding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for calling on the House and Senate to address open access to accurate WHOIS data. ASOP and CSTI urge legislators to take swift action on the agency’s recommendations to ensure access to critical information that is used to help keep the internet safe, secure, and sustainable for all internet users.

 

ASOP Global commends NTIA and the Department of Commerce for their work to protect the safety and security of American consumers online. In their December 23rd letter to the Senate Commerce Committee, NTIA encouraged Congress to address the overly broad interpretation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that has allowed internet registries and registrars to restrict access to WHOIS data. When readily available, WHOIS data serves as a critical tool for law enforcement, cyber security firms, academics, and others to identify individuals behind illegal online activity. NTIA’s letter acknowledges that ICANN has failed to establish a global access model that provides timely access to accurate domain name registration information for legitimate purposes and concludes that federal legislation is necessary to guarantee such access. ASOP Global supports NTIA in its efforts to promote the safety and wellbeing of American consumers online by providing internet stakeholders with the necessary tools to identify and mitigate risks from criminals.

 

ASOP Global and allied stakeholders are encouraged by the inclusion of report language in the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021 directing NTIA to expedite a global framework for timely and accurate WHOIS access and to better facilitate compliance by U.S. based registries and registrars.  ASOP Global looks forward to working with Congress, NTIA, and other stakeholders in the coming year to develop concrete steps to remove the veil of anonymity that has shielded online criminals for too long, finally enabling Americans to know who is on the other side of their computer screen.

 

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ABOUT ASOP GLOBAL

The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. with activities in U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia, is dedicated to protecting consumers around the world, ensuring safe access to medications, and combating illegal online drug sellers.