ICANN’s updated rules(from January 2014) for domains now require email verification. This affects every single generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, .org, etc. as well as all the upcoming new gTLDs.
If you register a domain, transfer existing domains or change your contact information, you will be required to respond to a verification link. This verification link will ask you to verify your email address, along with your first and last name. Failure to respond to this link within 15 days will take your domain offline.