[gtld-tech] Web-based WHOIS, https, redirects

[Alexander Mayrhofer]

All,

As we al lknow, ICANN requires " ... and a web-based Directory Service at <whois.nic.TLD> providing free public query-based access... ". However, I'm currently struggling with the question whether there are any more detailed specifications with regards to this?

Specifically, would ICANN allow a redirect from http: (port 80) to https: (port 443)? I understand that some of our fellow registry backend operators are doing this, but is there any word regarding this in ICANN documents? I couldn't find any.

Can anyone point me into the right direction?

Thanks,
Alex