Irfan’s Corner on the Web On Mac, Linux, Grid, Virtualization and Software Technology

NetworkSolutions Frontrunning Domain searches!

This story broke yesterday on Slashdot in this thread, then other sites like reddit, digg picked it up. So what are they doing? When you go to their website, and search for a domain name you might want to purchase, that very moment, NetworkSolutions registers it, and now you can only buy it from them. For example one domain I searched yesterday through their site: http://www.asklfjaskldfjalafdjkasdjflkasdjfkasdjf.com, and guess what? Its nor owned by NetworkSolutions. Check the websites whois record

	Administrative Contact :
	Network Solutions, LLC
	domainsupport@networksolutions.com
	13681 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
	HERNDON, VA 20171
	US
	Phone: 1-888-642-9675
	Fax: 571-434-4620
	Technical Contact :
	Network Solutions, LLC
	domainsupport@networksolutions.com
	13681 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 300
	HERNDON, VA 20171
	US
	Phone: 1-888-642-9675
	Fax: 571-434-4620
	Record expires on 08-Jan-2009
	Record created on 08-Jan-2008
	Database last updated on 08-Jan-2008

And what does NetworkSolutions say in its defence? I found this post by one of their employees at this blog:

" I work for Network solutions and wanted to clarify our side.

We are not monetizing these domains, nor do we intend to keep them after the holding period.

Network Solutions is not front running. “ Front Runners” are people who register domain names known to have been searched, for the purpose of monetizing them and then selling them at inflated prices either directly to the customer who searched for the domain or through aftermarket channels.
We have started protecting all domain name searches at Network Solutions by holding the searched domains for our customers for a short period of time before releasing them. This gives our customers the opportunity to register names later without fear that the name will be registered by a “Front Runner.”.

We did this because we heard customers complain that queried domain names are being snatched up by other people as soon as they searched. Network Solutions makes sure its search data is secure and we do not sell it any third party. I know that Network Solutions has no intention of keeping any searched domain or monetizing it"

The fact is that they ARE monetizing the domains. By their own saying " “ Front Runners” are people who register domain names known to have been searched, for the purpose of monetizing them and then selling them at inflated prices either directly to the customer who searched for the domain or through aftermarket channels."

Now if you were to compare domain pricing amongst multiple registrars, you will see that NetworkSolutions is one of the most expensive, I can get a domain from HostMonster for $10, but they offer anywhere from $19-$34!! Other registrars are even cheaper. I guess because they offer domains not at the cheapest price, they know that many people who search for domains search at multiple registrars and buy the cheapest one. However by locking the domains to their registry, the consumer has no choice but to buy at inflated prices. Hence this is a clear case of domain "front running". ICANN had recently requested public to report instances of this kind of behaviour by registrars, and you can report this company (many of done it already), to ICANN.

Go here to find out more: http://www.icann.org/public_comment/#domain-tasting-2008 or email your comment here: domain-tasting-2008@icann.org

Or to view already submitted comments here: http://forum.icann.org/lists/domain-tasting-2008/