Question: AOL recently used its powers as a registrar to transfer a validly-registered domain to itself without utilizing the UDRP. Was AOL's action appropriate? If not, what sanctions should be invoked? How do you propose to ensure that registrars do not misuse their authority in order to benefit themselves?

Nominee Replies

Emerson Tiller, J.D., Ph.D. - posted on 2000-09-29 19:36:00 AOL's action was inappropriate. Misuse of authority should be considered in a process of periodic reviews of registrars. ICANN should have a complaint form available on its site for registrar abuses and should have mechanisms available for investigating claims.