discuss Registrars selling WHOIS databases

[nomen]

Opened up a Gandi.net account and there was the following question:

Reselling of your data? [ ] Yes [ x ] No

And then:

"Our contract with ICANN requires that we sell our WHOIS database to any party that requests it. However, you have the right to refuse the sending of your personal data in such an event. Only click on YES and proceed to the next form if you accept that your personal data may be sold." (Emphasis mine.)

Never seen that before. What does that exactly mean? Does 'WHOIS database' refer to WHOIS records of their customers or does it refer to WHOIS searches made with the registrar? Or both? Any idea what that kind of db would cost (out of curiosity)?

Haven't read much about ICANN regulations, rules, and such, but why would ICANN require registrars to sell their WHOIS databases in the first place?

 

[daj]

GoDaddy does this as well. Every time I register a $1 domain (with no whois privacy) I get emails from web development companies wanting me to hire them to build my site. I also receive USPS spam mail regarding the domains.

 

[Name Trader]

I would trust any registrar who sells their whois database.