The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) took effect on August 26, 2019. This is a new protocol that provides WHOIS data for top-level domains (gTLDs) (e.g., .com, .net). Registries and registrars are contractually required to implement RDAP, which will eventually replace WHOIS lookups. RDAP, like WHOIS, enables users to view current registration data for a domain name.
What does this change?
As a customer, the registration process and experience we provide will remain unchanged. RDAP delivers the same registration data as WHOIS; however, the data will appear in standardized data access and query response formats. RDAP provides other advantages over WHOIS, including support for internationalization, secure data access, and providing differentiated access to registration data.
Historically, registrars have been required to provide public access to data associated with registered gTLDs (domain creation date, domain owner contact details, name servers). This data often referred to as the "WHOIS" of a domain name, is provided by registrars through an interactive web page that queries their database. This requirement was per contractual obligations of ICANN's Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) and is referred to as "port 43".
Why is this changing?
With the implementation of the GDPR on May 25, 2018, ICANN issued its Temporary Specification, which included a requirement that registrars comply with the requirements of RDAP by August 26, 2019. More details are available through ICANN's FAQ page.