WHOIS Privacy Protection

When you register a domain, your personal information becomes part of the public WHOIS database. WHOIS privacy protection helps keep your details private and secure. Learn what WHOIS is, why privacy matters, and how to enable protection.

What Is WHOIS?

WHOIS is a public database that contains registration information for domain names. When you register a domain, ICANN (the organization that oversees domain registration) requires certain information to be recorded.

• check_circleRegistrant name and organization
• check_circleMailing address
• check_circleEmail address
• check_circlePhone number
• check_circleDomain registration and expiration dates
• check_circleNameserver information

Why WHOIS Privacy Matters

Without privacy protection, your personal information is visible to anyone who performs a WHOIS lookup. This can lead to several problems:

• check_circleSpam emails from marketers and scammers
• check_circleUnsolicited phone calls and sales pitches
• check_circlePhysical junk mail to your address
• check_circleIdentity theft risks from exposed personal data
• check_circleTargeted phishing attacks using your information
• check_circleDomain hijacking attempts

How WHOIS Privacy Works

WHOIS privacy protection replaces your personal information in the public database with proxy information provided by your registrar:

• check_circleYour name is replaced with a privacy service name
• check_circleYour address is replaced with the privacy service address
• check_circleYour email is replaced with a proxy forwarding address
• check_circleYour phone is replaced with a proxy number
• check_circleYou still maintain full ownership and control of the domain

Enabling WHOIS Privacy

Most domain registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection. Here is how to enable it:

1. 1

   Log into your domain registrar account

2. 2

   Navigate to the domain management or settings page

3. 3

   Look for "WHOIS Privacy," "Domain Privacy," or "ID Protection"

4. 4

   Enable the privacy protection option

5. 5

   Save your changes and verify in a WHOIS lookup

WHOIS Privacy by Registrar

Here is a quick overview of WHOIS privacy at popular registrars:

• check_circleCloudflare Registrar: Free WHOIS privacy included
• check_circleNamecheap: Free WhoisGuard privacy protection
• check_circleGoogle Domains: Free privacy protection included
• check_circleGoDaddy: Privacy available (may require additional fee)
• check_circlePorkbun: Free WHOIS privacy included

When to Disable Privacy Protection

In some cases, you may need to temporarily disable WHOIS privacy:

• check_circleDuring domain transfers (some registrars require visible WHOIS)
• check_circleWhen verifying domain ownership for certain services
• check_circleFor business transparency requirements in certain industries
• check_circleLegal or regulatory compliance needs

Questions About Privacy?

If you have questions about WHOIS privacy or need help enabling protection, contact us via live chat, our contact form, or email at support@markforge.xyz.