When you register a domain name, a record is kept of your private information. It includes data such as your name, home/office address, phone number, and email. Anyone in the general public has access to this personal information by using the WHOIS record database that accounts for your website. For a number of reasons, you may wish to have this information kept confidential. Therefore, private domain name registration is offered as an optional service with most domain registrar services.
Private domain registration, also referred to as privacy protection, means that your domain registration details are kept private. While some domain registration services provide this service for free upon request, others may charge a small annual fee, usually no more than 5 dollars. In the past, individuals have provided inaccurate information upon registering a domain name for the purpose of keeping their identity concealed. However, this is in violation of the ICANN terms and regulations, and may result in the account being terminated. Private domain registration provides an acceptable manner by which you can protect your private information.
Everyday, the information in the public WHOIS database is targeted by spammers and telemarketers who use it to solicit your business. Private domain registration prohibits these people from accessing your personal data. In addition, citizens have a right to their privacy. Many opt to register privately to avoid giving their information to stalkers, enforcement agencies, identity thieves, or anyone who may wish to do them harm.
On the other hand, not everyone necessarily needs or desires to register domain names privately. In fact, only a small percentage of companies actually do. The downside of private registration is that it makes it more difficult to switch registrars later if you choose to do so. Plus, keeping your domain names public makes it easier to catch a thief who may be using your protected interests. Also, ecommerce sites may benefit from non-privatized domain registrations because consumer generally feel more comfortable using the site of an identifiable person.
