Verisign; you're violating my trust!

Verisign, a provider of SSL Certificates, has long been known as one of the "big dogs" on the Internet.



Network Solutions, the domain name registration company, has recently become a Verisign company. No big deal, right? Big companies buy each other daily, just like Yahoo bought Geocities and AOL bought Netscape.

This merger, however, is a big deal. At least in my humble opinion. You see, as a pioneer in the SSL (secure certificate) industry, Verisign's very motto is "The Value of Trust."

Trust. An important concept.

Imagine my surprise to realize that I had "given" Verisign "permission" to distribute my name, phone number and email address to "third parties."

But, wait. Let me show you before I rant!

I'd registered a .tv domain name with Network Solutions almost a year ago, and paid for a two year registration. I recently changed the primary email address that I use, and decided it might be smart to change the email address at Network Solutions, too.

So, I logged into my account manager. (below)


Imagine my surprise to find this... (below)


The default setting on this option is "Yes"

Trust? TRUST? Can we talk?

Let's say I didn't have any need to log into my account manager. I would have no way to know I gave Verisign that "permission."

Let's go on to assume that some innocent "third party" actually bought or rented my contact information from Verisign and sent me commercial email.

Of course, since I didn't know that I had given my "permission", I would probably file a spam complaint against that "third party."

What has happened to ethics?

Isn't getting permission supposed to involve actually asking?
But no... wait. If one doesn't ask, one can't be told no. If the answer isn't no, it must - by default - be yes. Right?

In a pig's ear. I, for one, intend to distribute this article far and wide.

I also do not intend to register or renew any domains through Network Solutions/Verisign.

If you own a domain name that was registered through Network Solutions, I suggest that at the very least - log in and change that option to no.

Just my two cents.

Linda

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