changes for changing domain names

So i get this email today from my domain host:

On November 12, 2004, ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, put in place its new transfer policy for all accredited domain name service providers.

The previous ICANN policy allowed us to deny requests to transfer your domain names to another registrar unless you explicitly confirmed to us your intent to transfer. The new ICANN policy removes that protection. When we receive a request to transfer your domain name to a new registrar, we will still attempt to contact you to confirm that you authorized the request. However, if you do not respond, or are not able to respond within 5 days, your domain name WILL be transferred.

let me check. yup, it is Nov 30, 2004. So Nov 12 came and went, but I guess better late then never. Or prehaps it took the hosts a bit to find something to stop this for their customers, 'cause they've got a device in place that would prevent this from happening to their customers. i just wonder why ICANN changed their policy? Time to go do a google search.