On its website ICANN reports on a number of projects which are currently underway to improve the accuracy of the whois data. ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of the internet's system of unique identifiers, which include domain names and the addresses used in a variety of Internet protocols.

"Over the years ICANN constituencies and others have observed apparent inaccuracies in Whois contact information provided by registrants when registering and maintaining their domain names. In an attempt to contribute to community discussion regarding Whois policy, ICANN has undertaken a study of domain name Whois contact information accuracy."

It further states that

"... in the first phase of this study, ICANN will select a sample from what is (for statistical purposes) an infinitely large data base that will provide a measure of accuracy to +/- 5% with a certainty of 95%. Staff will then randomly select domain names in accordance with statistical sampling practices."

The first reports and results are expected to be published in February 2008.