Registrars threaten to sue over WLS

[aww]

A letter (pdf) was sent from an "ad hoc coalition of ICANN-accredited registrars" to ICANN today.

http://www.icannwatch.org/article.pl?sid=04/02/18/0245230

The un-named registrars claim that Verisign's proposed "Waiting List Service" (WLS) "if launched would constitute an unlawful and fraudulent protection racket in violation of state and federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws.

 

[RJ]

1. The letter argues that WLS violates the FTC act and consumer protection laws because it "deceptively" makes it sound as if subscribers have a good chance of getting the domain name they are paying to queue for.
   
2. It also says that WLS is anti-competitive.
   
3. It also accuses ICANN of failing to put competitive restrictions on VeriSign, which could engage in self-dealing.
   
4. The letter argues that the WLS is an illegal lottery.
   
5. It argues that WLS "defrauds consumers" since it includes taking money for periods in which the domain is paid-up and hence can't become available.
   
   [/list=1]
   
   I applaud the registrars for giving it one last shot. Other than the third point, the legal arguments seem a little weak. We'll see how it goes!

 

[Anthony]

Hooray! There is still some hope! I was wondering when that letter would be sent!

Does anyone think WLS isn't anti-competitive?