Domain name registration is a requirement for anyone who wants to create a website. When an individual or business registers a domain name, they are required to provide information such as their name, email address, home address, and phone number to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the Domain Name System. This information is then published in a publicly accessible database called WHOIS. Many people choose to buy domain privacy protection so that their personal information isn’t visible in the WHOIS database. This helps them reduce spam, telemarketing calls, and other unwanted communications. It also helps them maintain a professional appearance by hiding their personal contact information from the public.
The WHOIS database is used to keep track of all registered domain names and their owners. The database is available to anyone who searches it, and the contact information of all registered domain owners is displayed on the WHOIS search results page. This information is often abused by scammers, phishers, and other cybercriminals to steal identities, sell domain names, or create fake websites for malicious purposes. However, some people are uncomfortable with having their personal contact information available to the public, and they choose to purchase domain privacy protection. This service is offered by most domain registrars, and it typically costs about $10 per year.
WHOIS privacy protects a domain owner’s information by replacing it in the WHOIS database with a forwarding address or proxy for email and postal mail. The registrar will then use the forwarding address or proxy to receive emails and letters on behalf of the domain owner, and the registrar’s contact information will be displayed in the WHOIS database instead of the domain owner’s. Domain privacy is a popular option among individuals who want to keep their personal information private, and it’s often available for free from some domain registrars like DomainsNow4U and CheapToRegister.
The GDPR law that took effect in the European Union has had an impact on how domain registrars display personal information. Some of them now use a redaction feature that replaces personal contact details with “redacted for privacy”. While this isn’t as effective as purchasing domain privacy protection, it still provides an extra layer of security to keep your personal contact information from being misused. While most registrars offer this service for free, some of them charge for it and others only offer it for limited times. It’s important to compare prices and features when choosing a domain registrar. Then you can decide which one is best for your needs. If you want to know more about how to choose a good domain registrar, read our article on how to find the best one for your needs. You can also check our list of recommended domain registrars. They offer affordable WHOIS privacy and other services to help you build a great online presence. You can also sign up for a free trial with one of them to see whether they’re right for you.
