On Aug 13, 2007, at 2:01 PM, Carl Karsten wrote:
I am not sure tasting is criminal or fraud.
Tracking domain related crime is hindered by the millions of domains registered daily for "domain tasting." Unregistered domains likely to attract errant lookups will not vary greatly from unregistered domains useful for phishing. The large flux in domain names significantly inhibits anti-phishing efforts. Although some may see delays in publishing as problematic, often domain facilitated crime depends upon the milli-second publishing rapidity used to evade protective strategies. A publishing process that offers notification will allow protection services a means to stay ahead of criminals. Exceptions could be granted on an exigent or emergency basis, where of course additional fees might be required. Just as background checks are normally part of the hand gun trade, a background check should be normally part of the domain trade. Many are deceived by "cousin" domains frequently used in crimes netting billions in losses. Money garnered by capturing errant domain entries can not justify criminal losses that are likely to have been otherwise prevented. Domain tasting is worse than a disgrace. For domains to play any role in securing email, a published MX record should become a necessary acceptance requirement. Using MX records also consolidates policy locales which mitigates some DDoS concerns. -Doug