| While registering a domain name is usually a good | | | | could theoretically shut down all websites with the |
| thing, it can have some pitfalls. One of them is when | | | | same contact information in it. This tactic is being |
| your private domain name information becomes | | | | disputed by others who argue that companies like |
| available to the internet community through the | | | | Google have access to the main Registrar's database |
| whois system. | | | | of whois information and therefore bypass the |
| Whois refers to a request for information regarding | | | | private domain name registration services. |
| the domain name registrant, administrator, tech | | | | So how does it work? Simply put, another company |
| support person and billing contact. Each of these | | | | will act like a proxy for you and put their information |
| sections must be filled with valid name, address and | | | | in your place while keeping your information available |
| email information. The problem is, this information is | | | | in their private database. You agree to a legal |
| totally public and accessible by anyone with a | | | | contract that officially allows the domain name |
| connection to the internet. That means anyone that | | | | registration company to act in your place. They in |
| wants to send you spam can access your email | | | | turn will usually offer to forward all official emails sent |
| information with ease. | | | | to them on behalf of the domain name owner. |
| The other reason why some people seek private | | | | If you care about privacy, registering your domain |
| domain name registrations is to avoid being tracked | | | | name with a private domain registration service is an |
| by the search engines. Why would someone worry | | | | excellent option. Don't think though that you will |
| about that? This would mainly apply to people who | | | | never receive spam if you get a private registration. |
| have registered multiple domains for the purpose of | | | | There are many other ways spammers can get your |
| making money with them like with Google's adsense | | | | information. One of the most common is to scrape |
| program. They thought goes that a search engine | | | | your website for email addresses. |