Whois Domain Name Search

The use of a whois privacy protection service has become an important feature for anyone seeking to benefit from the internet in an efficient way and still maintain some degree of confidentiality. Without protection, anyone who wishes to learn the identity, e-mail address and phone number of an individual who owns a given domain name can gain access to this information by performing a whois domain name search. For many individuals, this easy access raises concerns about the threat of spammers, stalkers, telemarketers, or identity thieves. A variety of companies are offering consumers protection from these threats at a relatively low cost. As questions over complicated issues such as the anonymity of the World Wide Web continue to be discussed, the wise consumer should seek out the answers that best suit their needs in a complicated world.

The name whois is one of those newly minted terms that have made their way into the contemporary lexicon thanks to rapidly changing technology. It is pronounced "who is" and, as a concept at least, is somewhat self explanatory. A transmission control protocol, or TCP, it is used as at data base to store the identities of the owners of particular domain names or IP addresses. When anyone wants to gain access to information about one of these owners, they perform a search. There are a number of reasons why someone would seek this information from a whois domain name search. For example, if someone is seeking to start a web site and is curious about whether or not a particular domain name is taken, a search such as this would give them that information. The ability to contact network administrators or operators is another reason. Law enforcement officials also often seek this kind of information in investigations. Some argue that the ability to put a name to any individual who is posting content on the internet is key to increasing confidence in the World Wide Web. Combating other issues such as fraud, terrorism, or pornography are also some of the reasons given for why the identities behind particular domain names should be available.

One of the things that make a whois domain name search possible is the fact that all personal information that is associated with a particular registration are collected and are considered a matter of public record by law. This stockpile of personal data can be a convenient thing when put to good use. But this accumulation of personal facts also makes such information vulnerable to spammers or those who like to gather these facts for sale to spammers or telemarketers. Because of this dilemma, many security measures and the whois privacy protection service have arisen. A domain name owner can subscribe to one of these services in the hopes of gaining a certain amount of anonymity. Most of these services shield the client's personal information through the use of proxy information. The real privacy of some of these services has been brought into question. It is certainly understandable that many individuals would not want their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses readily available to the world at large. Since the law requires that this information be public, various services attempt to get around this in a variety of ways.

The cost of a whois privacy protection service is generally quite minimal, amounting only to a few dollars a year. For their money, consumers get a new, more anonymous e-mail address that forwards all legitimate mail to the consumer's genuine address. That e-mail address is selected by the client and can be changed from time to time in an effort to outwit spammers. Correspondence that is obviously spam is filtered out. Rather than the phone number and fax number of the domain owner, the phone number and fax number of the company that is offering protection is listed. This privacy measure can be turned off and on at the client's discretion. Other, more serious threats to unprotected information can include unwanted exposure to stalkers or someone interested in locating a target for identity theft. The Bible talks about how God is always there with us. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

Similar to an unlisted phone number, a whois privacy protection service allows the user to utilize their domain name the same as they always have, retaining all ownership. They can continue with any business transactions or posting of data or media in the same way that they always have. The difference is that anyone doing a whois domain name search will not uncover any information that the domain name owner does not want revealed. Rather than the client's physical address being posted for the entire curious world to see, the physical address of the company that is offering the protection service is given. The service can also be temporarily disabled at the owner's request should the need arise. Exactly how much information is shared and how much is kept concealed is up to the user. Many privacy providers suggest that the actual name of the domain holder continue to be used, but ultimately, this decision is up to the client. Both individuals and companies can take advantage of these services if they choose. While using phony information when registering for a domain name is forbidden by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the kind of information shielding that is offered by these services is permissible.

Add to: File Insurance Business article Teen Photo Images