Dotbiz Blog: Could Your Site Lose Its Right to Private Domain Registration

Most people who have a website have been asked whether they want their domain name to be private or public. Opting for privacy costs more, but is considered an advantage by both private and commercial website owners as it prevents a domain owner's real, private information from appearing on a WHOIS search and therefore making the owner more susceptible to among other things identity theft and harassment.

Now, that privacy is at risk as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers(ICANN)has been asked by an entertainment industry group, known as the Coalition for Online Accountability, to limit the use of proxy registration services. ICANN is considering not allowing domains used for commercial purposes to enjoy that privacy. A broad view is that any site running ads is commercial.

While the loss of private registration would on the surface make it easier to find and sue those who have abusive domain name registrations, it would also open up more private information for criminals to utilize. The current right to privacy also protects whistleblowers who expose crime, waste, and corruption. It also preserves the ability to speak anonymously which protects people with unpopular or marginalized opinions.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) opposes the new proposal to roll back anonymity.

Although the time for public comment has just passed, you can read an initial report on the issue by going to icann.org and searching comments for the following: GNSO Privacy & Proxy Services Accreditation Issues Working Group Initial Report. A vote is expected later this year.