What is the WHOIS Accuracy Program?
As of January 1, 2014, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has mandated that all ICANN accredited registrars begin verifying the WHOIS contact information for all new domain registrations and Registrant contact modifications.
The purpose is to ensure the information the registrant provides is accurate and up-to-date to ensure the registrant can be reached in the event of an issue with the domain.
This means that all new domain registrations will require ICANN verification within 2 weeks of registration. The same rule applies to updating the registrant information address on an existing domain.
GreenGeeks has no control over this process. Should a domain verification fail, only ICANN has the ability to override your DNS records and serve the domain verification pending page.
DNS Update Chart
To help illustrate the process we have included the following flow chart:
How do I verify my domain?
Open the email from the registry, review the information is accurate, and click the link contained in the middle of the message that says “Click here to verify your email address.”
Subject: IMMEDIATE VERIFICATION required for <DOMAIN.COM>
Sender: [email protected]
What happens if I don’t verify my domain within two-weeks?
The domain will be suspended by ICANN & point to the verification page, indicating that the domain is suspended, as shown in the image below.
How do I unlock a suspended domain?
After your domain has been suspended by ICANN, pending WHOIS verification, it will remain suspended until the verification process is complete or the registrant email is updated. Updating the registrant email will completely restart the verification process & unsuspend the domain.
The WHOIS verification email can be resent by visiting the suspended domain page in your web browser, or GreenGeeks Support can resend it on your behalf.
After 60 minutes, if you still have not received the verification email, double-check the registrant email address is correct for that particular domain from within your GreenGeeks dashboard.
Reach out to the GreenGeeks Support Team for additional assistance with your domain.
Additional Information
GreenGeeks ICANN 2014 Changes – https://www.greengeeks.ca/support/article/icann-raa-2013-changes/
GreenGeeks Blog Post – https://www.greengeeks.com/blog/recent-icann-changes-how-they-affect-you/
ICANN Registrar Agreement – https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/approved-with-specs-2013-09-17-en
WHOIS Accuracy Program – https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/approved-with-specs-2013-09-17-en#whois-accuracy