In a study recently commissioned by ICANN to evaluate the occurrence of domain name front-running, they have found no evidence to suggest that leading domain registration and domain availability checking sites are resorting to this practice. The study was carried out by Benjamin Edelman [PDF, 36K] at ICANN’s request. Three rounds of tests (more than 600 tests) were conducted over a ten-month period by Mr. Edelman. The study was undertaken after various members of the Internet community expressed concern over suspected occurrence of domain name front-running.

The Front Running Study: Testing Report [PDF, 120K] provides details of the methodological analysis and study findings.