Topic: Whois

4 chapters across the catalog

Peak Oil II
Episode 734 2:38:30 - 2:40:55

734: Peak Oil II

ICANN Privacy Changes and Google Chrome Audio Capture

ICANN is reportedly moving to end private "Whois" data, which would expose the identities of domain owners. Additionally, Google has been criticized for automatically updating Chrome with a listening piece of code for "OK Google" that enables audio capture by default, raising surveillance concerns.

Eradicate Misery
Episode 582 1:24:16 - 1:30:31

582: Eradicate Misery

Basic Income Mailing List Scam, EU Initiative Verification

Investigation into the "Basic Income 2013" website suggests it may be a sophisticated mailing list harvest rather than a purely political movement. The domain is registered to a Dutch individual, and the sign-up process requires sensitive private data. The hosts express skepticism about the feasibility of the plan, noting that while the concept of being paid to exist is appealing, the Western mindset is generally not amenable to such a system.

Fractals on the Bone
Episode 374 19:58 - 32:07

374: Fractals on the Bone

ICANN New TLD Rollout and the Thick Whois System

ICANN's rollout of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) is identified as a potential "smoke screen" for the implementation of the "Thick Whois" system. This system requires registrars to verify the identity of domain owners, effectively creating a de facto national ID system for the internet. The discussion highlights that ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom, a former DHS official, is overseeing this transition, which will make it easier for law enforcement to take down websites based on verified registration data.