The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, had submitted a proposal to limit the use of proxy domain registration on May, 2015 in Buenos Aires. The proposed restriction would affect what is displayed in the WHOIS database. ICANN intended to limit proxy use to non-commercial sites.

Proponents for this policy argue that consumers have the right to know with whom they are conducting business online. They also cite concerns about online piracy, copyright violations, and fraudulent businesses.

Steven Metalitz, the attorney for Coalition for Online Accountability, which represents eight major entertainment industry groups including the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America, told a committee of the House of Representatives, "These registrations need to be brought into the sunlight."

Opponents made their case against the proposal after it was released for public comment on July 7th, 2015. They cite the blurry line between 'commercial' and 'non-commercial', the threat of online harassment using personal information, and government targeting of individual activists and groups. They also state that while the proposed changes would be "a cheaper and potentially faster way to get the identities of website owners", these groups have other tools less prone to abuse.

Currently, website owners who does not want to release home address or telephone number can use domain registrars. Instead of personal information, website owners list the registrar as their administrative and technical contacts in the WHOIS database.

ICANN had released the proposal for public comment before changing registration procedures. As of July 2015, 20,000 public comments have been submitted. 46 organizations and 105 individuals have started campaigns to oppose restriction of proxy registration.

The official title is Privacy and Proxy Service Accreditation Issues (PPSAI) PDP Working Group's Initial Report. It was published on May 4, 2015. The staff report was scheduled for July 21st, 2015. However, it is overdue. The staff has given no word on changes to the release date.