Registry Minimum Data Set and Registration Data Policy (RDP)

Tucows Registry Services (TRS) follows ICANN requirements and industry best practices to manage domain registration data. Two important frameworks govern how registration data is collected, stored, and accessed:

1. Registry Minimum Data Set (MDS) – Defines the essential information that must be collected and maintained for each domain registration.
2. Registration Data Policy (RDP) – Establishes how that registration data is processed, protected, and disclosed.

Registry Minimum Data Set (MDS)

The Minimum Data Set specifies the core information that must be provided when registering a domain name.

Typical required data elements include:

• Domain information: registered domain name, registration/expiration dates, registrar ID.
• Registrant data: name, organization (if applicable), and contact details.
• Administrative and technical contacts: names, roles, and contact information.
• Nameserver information: hostnames and IP addresses (where required).

This ensures all domain registrations have a consistent baseline of information across registrars and registries.

Registration Data Policy (RDP)

The Registration Data Policy outlines how registration data is handled after collection. Its goals are to:

• Protect registrant privacy – by limiting data collection to what is necessary and applying data protection safeguards.
• Ensure data accuracy – registrars and registrants are responsible for providing and maintaining correct information.
• Define access rules – specifying who can request access to non-public data and under what lawful circumstances.
• Maintain compliance – aligning with ICANN policies, contractual obligations, and applicable data protection laws.

What This Means for Registrars

• You must collect and maintain the minimum data elements required under MDS when registering domains through TRS.
• You are responsible for ensuring the data is accurate and up to date.
• All registration data is processed in accordance with the RDP, ensuring both compliance and data protection.
• When in doubt, consult TRS documentation or reach out to TRS Support for guidance.

Key Takeaways

• MDS = the “what”: the minimum information required for each domain registration.
• RDP = the “how”: the policies and safeguards around handling that data.
• Both ensure a consistent, secure, and compliant approach to domain registration data across TRS.

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