What Is a Private Domain Name?

A private domain name keeps certain information private.

A domain name is used to define the address to an Internet site. Domain names can be public, meaning every Internet user may see it, or a person or entity with an Internet site may opt for private domain registration.

Definition

Private domain registration, or domain privacy, is an option that allows internet site owners to omit certain user information from public access. This data typically includes information such as a user's name, phone number and email address.

Function

The governing body of domain names, ICANN, (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), requires that personal information of those having ownership of domain names be made public through the WHOIS (Who Is) directories. This policy enables spammers, identity thieves and other possible attackers to gain easy access to this information. Private domain registration is a way to avoid private information listings in the WHOIS directories.

Process

Private domain registration is offered via many domain name companies. The user purchases a private domain, and the company lists forwarding information in the WHOIS directory, as opposed to private user information. This forwarding service can be done via Internet companies such as Domains by Proxy, Inc, who lists their own contact information in the WHOIS directory as opposed to that of the user.

References

• Go Daddy: Private Domain Registration
• "Internet Domain Names, Trademarks and Free Speech (Elgar Intellectual Property and Global Development)"; Jacqueline D. Lipton; 2010

Resources

• "International Domain Name Law: Icann and the Udrp"; David Lindsay; 2007