Privacy for Domain Names: Know the Dangers and Pitfalls
What is Privacy for Domain Names?
Privacy for Domain Names is made available with what is called a “privacy screen,” which is a service offered by domain name registrars that can help protect a domain name from unwanted contact. It works by masking the personal information of the domain name owner, such as their name, address, and contact information, so that it is not available to the public when someone conducts a WHOIS search on the domain name.
Instead of the owner’s personal information, the WHOIS record of the domain name will show that of the privacy screen service. This can help protect domain name owners from unwanted solicitations, as well as protect their personal information from being used for malicious purposes.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Maintaining Privacy for Domain Names?
One of the primary advantages of a privacy screen is that it helps protect the domain name owner from unwanted contact. This can be particularly helpful in cases where the domain name is being used for business purposes, as it can help prevent competitors from obtaining contact information and using it to their advantage. Additionally, the privacy screen can help protect the domain name owner’s personal information from being used in malicious ways, such as for phishing attacks or identity theft.
On the other hand, one of the primary disadvantages of a privacy screen is that it can be seen as a signal of domain name ownership being unclear. In some cases, this can lead to confusion when multiple people are trying to obtain ownership of the same domain name. Additionally, there is the possibility that the privacy screen can be used to hide malicious activities, such as domain name hijacking or other types of fraud.
What Danger is there in Maintaining Privacy for Domain Names?
The biggest danger in domain name privacy screens, is the reliance of the privacy screen. We’ve seen instances where people were relying on the privacy screen to maintain their privacy, and the privacy screen failed. Specifically, we’ve seen this happen in two instances: First, the WHOIS data was inadvertently changes so the privacy screen dropped for a couple of weeks. Second, we’ve seen where the underlying WHOIS information is exposed once someone decides to abandon their domain name and not pay for it any longer.
Therefore, if privacy is really important to you, a domain name privacy screen is certainly the way to go, but don’t rely on it exclusively. Consider further obfuscating the underlying information.
How Can You Improve Privacy for Domain Names?
One of the best ways to maximize the protection available by invoking privacy for domain names, is to utilize an Anonymous LLC as the owner of the domain name. In that way, if the underlying WHOIS information is ever exposed, all that is exposes is the Anonymous LLC information, which still protects your personal information.
WHOIS information displays ownership information, as well as admin, billing and technical contact information. When utilizing an Anonymous LLC, the Anonymous LLC will be the owner. For the admin, billing and technical contacts, we recommend the first name is “Authorized” and the last name is “Representative” for each of the admin, billing and technical contacts.
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Author: Larry Donahue
Larry Donahue is an attorney and founder of Law 4 Small Business, P.C. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois, New Mexico and the US Patent and Trademark Office.
