> Unfortunately, they ARE allowed to mail out solicitations, just not email > (Based on my understanding of the ICANN regs)
...but only if they have a licenses... Interactive Whois license... The Data in the Tucows Registrar WHOIS database is provided to you by Tucows for information purposes only, and may be used to assist you in obtaining information about or related to a domain name's registration record. Tucows makes this information available "as is," and does not guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this data only for lawful purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this data to: a) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission by e-mail, telephone, or facsimile of mass, unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations to entities other than the data recipient's own existing customers; or (b) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes that send queries or data to the systems of any Registry Operator or ICANN-Accredited registrar, except as reasonably necessary to register domain names or modify existing registrations. The compilation, repackaging, dissemination or other use of this Data is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Tucows. Tucows reserves the right to terminate your access to the Tucows 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. Tucows reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. By submitting this query, you agree to abide by these terms.
