Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Do I Need Private Domain Registration

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Why Do I Need To Provide Personal Information To Register A Domain

Domain Privacy Protection | Protect Personal Details WHOIS LookUp [2022]

There are countless domains on the web which are being bought, sold, and created every day. Keeping track of them is no simple task, and a method to track them is essential. While some may not like it, the current approach is to post domain registration information publicly online for all to see.

This information is used to prove ownership of the domain. This type of record is essential in the event of a dispute.

In addition, registering a domain is necessary for regulating online activity. For instance, if an online business is involved in illegal transactions, the authorities may need to contact the website owner to resolve the issue.

How Do I Enable Domain Name Privacy For My Website

Enabling domain name privacy is usually not something done on your website, per se. Your domain registration information is made available in the WHOIS directory, which is run by ICANN and tracks domain ownership across the web.

To enable domain name privacy, you will need to go through your hosting service or registrar. This option is usually presented during the purchase of the domain, but it can often be added after the fact.

The process will differ depending on the company you use, but it is usually as simple as checking a box or paying for the private registration add-on.

If you are having difficulty finding this option from your hosting dashboard or registrars website, you can always contact them to see if they offer this service. If they do not, you may be able to use another companys privacy service, though this could require transferring your domain to that company.

Private Domain Registration: Register Private Domain Name

This is required by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers as part of the domain name registration process. Now you have the opportunity to mask your personal information with Private Domain Registration. Get Peace of Mind with Private Domain Name Registration. Protect yourself from telemarketers, spammers, and data miners

Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take To Transfer A Domain

When To Use Wix Instead Of Shopify

Shopify has a steeper learning curve than Wix.

For example, Shopifys page editor isnt a drag and drop page editor like Wix. Instead its a WYSIWYG editor that is similar to Google Docs or Microsoft Word:

Shopifys page editor isnt a drag and drop page editor like Wix.

And while Shopify has some theme customization options, Ive found myself often needing to edit CSS code to customize my theme.

Editing CSS to customize my Shopify theme.

So while Wix may not have the same functionality and power of Shopify, it is easier to use. So Wix could work for you if you have basic ecommerce needs and would like something easy to use.

Whats In The Whois Directory

What is domain privacy? Do you really need private registration ...

The public WHOIS database is a public directory that maintains a record of all domain registrations online. This includes domain registrant details, verifications, expiry, renewal dates, and more.

Its very similar to how an asset you own is registered under a governing authority or register. Think about your car or your house you wouldve registered it under a governing authority that records ownership, its start date, and duration.

However, what would happen if this information became available to the rest of the world? For an average user, this can create a big problem.

The main benefits of privacy protection are providing you privacy and protecting your data. But you do get many benefits from purchasing the service, such as a lock icon on web links, complete encryption on the transfer of information, rid of spam calls and emails, and much more.

If you do not have privacy protection on your domain, the ownership of any domain on the internet can be traced using the WHOIS lookup feature.

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Can You Add Domain Privacy Protection Later

You can add domain protection after domain registration. Log in to the control panel for your domain provider and purchase Whois privacy as an add-on.

Still, adding domain privacy at the outset is preferable because your personal information will be posted publicly until you do so.

That will give scammers time to grab up your personal data.

Transfer Domain To A Different Registrar

Things to note before domain transfer,

  • You need to unlock your domain, at the time of actual movement of the domain from Zoho. The domain will get automatically locked again within 30 minutes from the time you unlock it.
  • The domain should be in the unlocked state when you provide the authorization code to your new provider for changing the hosting setup.

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The Benefits Of Whois Protection

If youre considering whether private domain registration is worth it, lets go over the reasons why you benefit.

1. Protect your personal information

Identity theft is a serious problem online, and personal information is needed when registering a domain name. If someone were to gain access to this data, it could cause serious problems for you or your business. Whois protection conceals this information. Domain privacy is necessary to help prevent your data from getting into the wrong hands.

2. Prevent unsolicited marketing outreach

Listing your contact information alongside your domain invites unwanted attention from salespeople, spammers, telemarketers, and fraudsters. Some individuals scan the Whois database for contact information, trawling newly registered websites in particular. Soon after registration you may be targeted with emails and calls about trying to offer online marketing, SEO, making domain privacy protection worth getting just to avoid such communications!

3. Minimize spam

Private registration for a domain name is necessary if you want to protect your email, and cut down on unsolicited emails from spammers. Your domain registrar will include an alias email in place of your own within the Whois database cutting down the likelihood of phishing emails. Such phishing emails wont reach your true email if you use domain privacy protection.

4. Greater control over your personal information

Can Ionos Provide Me With A Private Email Address

Should I pay for private domain registration? – Web Hosting Tutorial

When you sign up for a domain with private registration, IONOS replaces the email address visible within the WHOIS database with a generic proxy address. Any emails sent to this address can be forwarded to your choice of email account. IONOS offers free email accounts as standard with our hosting packages, meaning you can easily create a private email address that also allows people to contact you through WHOIS. However, you have full control over the email you receive and our powerful spam filters help to keep out unsolicited mail.

Changing the email address that your private domain forwards mail to is simple with the IONOS Control Panel. All you need to do is log in and enter the email address you wish to use. You may even use a separate email address specifically for this purpose to further cut down security risks. However you decide to set up your email address, IONOS will help you to stay safe and secure as you build your website.

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Can Everyone See My Information

If your website domain is not privacy protected, everyone can see your information. When you register your domain on the world wide web, it becomes a part of the global directory, called WHOIS, that makes your domains all registered information available to the public.

If you had integrated privacy protection when creating the website domain, your information would not be visible to everyone. However, if privacy is not protected, then your information is just a couple of clicks away from the rest of the world.

Who Should Use A Whois Privacy Service

If youre registering a domain for a business, its almost never a good idea to use domain privacy. The address of your business will likely be listed on your website anyway, so the only thing domain privacy will do is make your customers wonder what youre trying to hide. How can you trust a company that doesnt want people to know where it is located?

The exception to this rule, however, is if you run a home-based business. In this is the case, its probably worth using domain privacy to protect your home address.

Similarly, if your website is for personal use, or if its a non-commercial site that isnt selling anything, then domain privacy is a reasonable investment to protect your personal information.

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You Cant Use Fake Personal Information When Registering A Domain

When it comes to domain registration, you have to use your actual contact details for security purposes. The person or company listed as the registrant of the domain name will always be the legal owner from the standpoint of ICANN.

Using false contact information may lead to a legal dispute about who owns the domain name. Its essential to use legitimate contact information, especially for businesses it can affect customers trust and loyalty to your brand.

What Is Private Domain Registration

Do I Need Domain Name Privacy Protection? The Truth Revealed

As we mentioned, when you purchase a domain name, your personal contact information gets stored in the WHOIS directories, becoming available for anyone with access to the internet. So basically, most people on this planet. Private domain registration is a way to keep your personal information private, even once you register a domain name.

The way that private domain registration keeps your personal information secure is by using a proxys details and inputting them in the WHOIS database instead of your own. The domain company will provide ICANN with a valid address and contact information for the domain but instead of it being your information, its the details of our anonymous domain registration service.

Keep in mind, however, that if you use private domain registration, the owner of the domain will technically be the domain company thats providing the service. Whoever is specified in the domain registration with ICANN, and visible in the WHOIS directories, is considered as the owner of that domain.

This isnt something to worry about, though there have been very few instances of problems arising with domain name companies concerning private domain ownerships. And at Domain Name Sanity, we provide our clients with honest and transparent service, so your mind can be at ease.

Now, before we look at all the advantages of using private domain registration, lets take a look at the risks of not using it.

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Should I Get Private Registration For My Domain

The only one who could provide a satisfying answer to this question is the customer or web owner himself. You need to weigh in the pros and cons that private registration does to your contact info and how it translates to your website or business.

While the domain name is great, some websites dont need it. For instance, if you feel that there is little to no danger in exposing your contact info on the Internet then it becomes optional. However, if you feel that you value your privacy and dont want to get annoying calls or messages, then private registration is a must.

Privacy Protection Isnt Always An Option

Although Whois privacy service is available for almost all domains, some are unavailable due to registry restrictions.

Currently, this includes .ca, .ch, .cn, .co.in, .co.uk, .com.au, .com.es, .com.sg, .de, .es, .eu, .fr, .gg, .id, .in, .is, .law, .li, .me.uk, .net.au, .nl, .nom.es, .nu, .nyc, .org.es, .org.au, .org.uk, .paris, .sg, .to, .uk, .us, .vote, .voto, and .xn--3ds443g domains.

Privacy protection may already be in place for certain TLDs, or restrictions may be in place for specific geographic locations.

Take .us, for example. In 2005 the National Telecommunications and Information Administration requested that all registrants must make their contact information public. This was to help make sure that .us registrants followed the requirements, such as that they must be a US citizen or resident, when registering their domain.

Also Check: When Does A Domain Become Available

Reasons Why You Need Domain Privacy Protection

Reliable web hosting providers disclose how they use and store your details in their privacy policy, but thats not enough to protect your personal information.

Because of ICANN regulations, when registering a domain, your personal data must be made public by default that is the main reason why domain privacy is needed. Here are some other reasons why it may be necessary.

Can I Add Privacy To An Existing Domain

How to Register a Domain Name – HostGator Tutorial

If you have already registered your domain with your personal information, dont fret! Usually, you can still apply privacy settings to hide that data.

To do this, check your host dashboard or contact your registrar to request this service. In most cases, your data can be kept private and replaced with a generic placeholder for a nominal fee.

In short, if you wish you had registered privately in the first place, you can still add that privacy now. There is little reason not to, as it could save you from some major headaches in the future.

Related: 5 Reasons You Need More Than One Domain – DreamHost

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Why Might You Not Want To Get Private Registration

1. Can be seen as shady or otherwise untrustworthy

As a business or entrepreneur, you always want to maintain the highest level of trust and rapport. For new visitors to your site, the best you can hope for is to convey a trustful image on your website and wherever else they may look. Unfortunately almost every scam and spam site uses private registration to hide from the law, so visitors may see private registration and subconsciously attach those attributes to your site.

2. May prevent some legitimate business contacts

While not a common practice, someone trying to reach a decision maker at a particular company may get the idea to contact the owner of the domain on whois. Someone interested in buying a domain would also likely contact the registrant showing on whois to express their interest and/or put forth an offer. Private registration discourages this contact, which may cause it to not happen at all.

3. Costs money, which can add up if using it on hundreds of domain names

Almost every domain registrar charges for whois privacy if not for the first year, they typically charge for every year thereafter. At some registrars it can be as much as $8-$15 per domain per year, which costs as much as registration fees themselves at some registrars. While this isnt a serious expense if you only use a couple domains, get into the hundreds and youre looking at possibly thousands of dollars per year to simply keep your contact information from showing on your domains.

What Personal Information Is Required When Registering A Domain

When registering a domain, youll need to provide your name, physical address, phone number, and email address. This contact information is used to track ownership of the domain. It is made publicly available online via the WHOIS directory.

Other data is also made available, such as the year and date the domain was registered, when it was last updated, and when it will expire. Technical information like the domain status and server name can also be found.

Read Also: What Are Common Domain Names

The Pros: Private Registration Hides These Details

When you get private domain registration, you enter into an agreement with your registrar. In exchange for an extra fee they mask your personal details. Instead of using your name, they use their own name or some kind of anonymous organization. This means none of your details are visible and youre protected from all that unwanted spam!

Must I Provide Valid Contact Information For A Private Domain Registration

What is Private Registration and Why You Need It

Yes. When you purchase a domain name you must include accurate and updated information for all of your contacts , regardless of whether you choose to make it a “private” or “public” registration. This is the only way Web.com can reach you with issues concerning your domain and our private registration services.

If you enter false information you risk having your domain name, as well as our private registration services, canceled entirely. Please review our Web.com Service Agreement carefully so you fully understand your rights and obligations.

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Reduce Unsolicited Sales And Spam Calls

Another reason domain privacy protection is worth it is due to the spam calls and texts people receive each day. Sales calls, phishing texts, spoofed-number spam calls, and even spam emails from scammers are quite widespread.

For instance, TrueCaller shares that 59% of Americans reported receiving scam phone calls and text messages related to COVID-19 in 2021, an increase of 15% from the prior year.

Should You Buy Domain Privacy

Yes, you should get domain privacy. But you shouldnt have to pay extra for it.

Check out our domain records. See our contact info there?

If youre dead set against transferring your domain names to a registrar that includes privacy, then yes pay for it. The annoyance isnt worth the money youll save. But if youre willing to transfer your domain registration you can keep your info private without the extra charges.

Also Check: How To Connect Domain Name To Shopify

Our Pick For Private Registration: Namesilo

We have been with NameSilo since mid-2018. We transferred all our domain names to them for a few reasons:

  • Domain privacy is automatically included and NOT an extra charge like some domain name registrars.
  • NameSilo makes it super easy to transfer.
  • Its easy to manage domain names .
  • NameSilo has the cheapest domain name prices we have ever found, but we still get great tech support and customer service.

Before NameSilo, we used Hover and Namecheap. Both were good, but Hover was pricey and Namecheap charged extra for privacy.

If youd like to transfer a domain, you can get $1 off and get privacy included at NameSilo with the promo code FEARLESS.

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