Enforcing a website finding is a key step in managing online brand protection. RightHub makes this process straightforward by automatically handling much of the enforcement process once you click "Enforce". Below, we’ll explain each step and how the finding's status changes throughout.
Step 1: Unhandled to Initiated
When you click the "Enforce" button, the finding’s status changes from "Unhandled" to "Initiated".
- The Initiated status indicates that the finding has been flagged for enforcement, but the complaint has not been filed yet.
- This step ensures that the finding is marked as needing attention, while the system prepares for further actions.
Step 2: Initiated to Processing
Once the system files the complaint, the finding’s status updates from "Initiated" to one of the Processing statuses.
Processing Statuses:
The Processing status indicates that the complaint has been submitted and is being reviewed by a third party. There are four possible processing statuses, indicating which party is currently handling the complaint:
- Registrant Processing:
- The complaint has been sent to the website's registrant (the individual or entity that registered the domain).
- This is the first step, as it targets the entity most directly responsible for the content.
- Hosting Provider Processing:
- If the registrant does not take action, the next step is contacting the hosting provider.
- This involves requesting the removal of infringing content from their servers.
- Registrar Processing:
- If the hosting provider also fails to act, the complaint escalates to the domain registrar.
- The registrar has the ability to suspend or terminate the domain if it violates policies.
- ICANN Processing:
- If no action is taken by the registrar, the final escalation is to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
- ICANN has the authority to enforce domain compliance with global policies.
Note: It is standard practice to follow this escalation path, ensuring that every responsible party has the opportunity to address the issue before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Processing to Final Status
After the responsible parties have reviewed the complaints, the finding will eventually move from Processing to one of two statuses:
- Rejected: The platform or entity did not accept the complaint.
- Removed: The infringing content has been taken down or sufficiently altered to comply with regulations.
Note: The finding may remain "Processing" if the system is pursuing multiple complaints (e.g., moving from registrant to hosting provider).
Why Status Updates Matter
Understanding these status changes is crucial for tracking progress and determining whether further actions are needed. Monitoring these updates helps you follow up promptly on unresolved cases.
Conclusion
Clicking "Enforce" on a website finding sets a clear process in motion, moving the finding from "Unhandled" to "Initiated", then through a series of Processing stages based on escalation, and finally to "Removed" or "Rejected". This structured approach helps you address online infringements efficiently.
For more insights on managing website findings, check out our guide on How to Review Website Findings