> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On
> Behalf Of Gary Nunn
[snip]
> I don't think that there are any options for the owners of the WHOIS
> database that would stop someone from harvesting this information
> and using
> it for spam.
Verisign, for one, began treating whois harvesters as denial-of-service
attacks a few years ago. They had relatively sophisticated systems in place
to cut off access to any IP address that appeared to be grabbing large
numbers of records.
And they added this boilerplate to every retrieval a couple of years ago:
--
The Data in the VeriSign Registrar WHOIS database is provided by VeriSign
for
information purposes only, and to assist persons in obtaining information
about
or related to a domain name registration record. VeriSign does not
guarantee
its accuracy. Additionally, the data may not reflect updates to billing
contact
information. By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree to use this Data only
for lawful purposes and that under no circumstances will you use this Data
to:
(1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass
unsolicited,
commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail, telephone, or facsimile;
or
(2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes that apply to
VeriSign
(or its computer systems). The compilation, repackaging, dissemination or
other use of this Data is expressly prohibited without the prior written
consent of VeriSign. VeriSign reserves the right to terminate your access
to
the VeriSign Registrar WHOIS database in its sole discretion, including
without limitation, for excessive querying of the WHOIS database or for
failure
to otherwise abide by this policy. VeriSign reserves the right to modify
these
terms at any time. By submitting this query, you agree to abide by this
policy.
--
But you're undoubtedly right. And spammers are doing far worse things, I'm
sure. It's astounding how fast they seem to be able to grab new addresses.
I'm sure they have intercepted private mail sometimes. My wife's address
got on lists long before she ever used it in public.
Nick
