What Is WHOIS All About & Do You Need Private Internet Domain Name Registration?

The WHOIS directory is an Internet listing directory which provides web domain name owner information from ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). The WHOIS database can be useful for looking up others, but should you try to protect your data with private registration?

The WHOIS system was created originally for recording contact information, however it has emerged into a database that can assist law enforcement and protect consumers from fraudsters. Don’t be surprised if the IRS takes a peak at it too. Of course this is generally a good thing for everyone who is doing things the right way. It is a good thing to track the web domain names of those who may be up to no good. However, it does have its issues.

It is interesting that certain U.S. Senators and companies come out strongly in favor of new privacy bills, while other entities like WHOIS give out web domain owners' contact information all day everyday.

Still there are reasons to allow your information to be public. It makes it easier for you to be contacted for good things. Perhaps a lead who has additional questions, maybe another company interested in acquiring your Internet domain name for a lot of money. Keeping your WHOIS information public also says a lot about credibility and can give consumers confidence in doing business with you. In fact many review sites will always comment on whether a web domain name is using public or private registration.

However there are also many reasons why you may wish to keep your web domain name information private. This can normally be done for a few extra dollars when you register your domain name. This simply means the company you are registering through will provide their information to the WHOIS database instead. This can provide an extra layer of protection for those who don’t want to become the victims of frivolous lawsuits or have ex-wives track them down for more alimony. However, it is important to recognize that law enforcement could demand the registrar release your information. Though if you are not on the radar, they are not going to know to ask. Which type of web domain name registration is best, is up to you and your personal needs for privacy.