Q: What is RDAP?

A: Starting on August 26, 2019, the Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) will be a new protocol available that provides WHOIS details for generic top-level domains (gTLDs) (e.g., .com, .net).RDAP is a contractual requirement both registries and registrars are required to implement and will serve as an eventual replacement for WHOIS lookups. RDAP, like WHOIS as we know it today, enables users to view current registration data for a domain name.

Q: What does this change?

A: RDAP delivers registration data like WHOIS, but its implementation will change and standardize data access and query response formats. Additional advantages over WHOIS include support for internationalization, secure access to data, and the ability to provide differentiated access to registration data.

Historically, registrars have been required to provide public access to data associated with registered gTLDs (domain creation date, domain owner contact details, name servers). This data is often referred to as the “WHOIS” of a domain name, and registrars provide access to WHOIS through an interactive web page that queries from their database, commonly referred to as “port 43”. This requirement was per contractual obligations of ICANN's Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA).

Q: Why is this changing?

A: With the implementation of the GDPR on May 25, 2018, ICANN issued its Temporary Specification, which included a requirement that registrars comply with the requirements of RDAP by August 26, 2019. More details are available through ICANN’s FAQ page.

Q: Is Bluehost RDAP Compliant?

A:  Bluehost registrars will be RDAP compliant by August 26, 2019. For more information on the Registration Data Access Protocol and RDAP compliance, please see ICANN’s overview.