How to register a domain name without revealing personal information?

[pzqwpo]

For an example, a person wants to create a website about politics. And the discussions on the site might be somewhat radical, which can cause trouble to the founder if their information is revealed.
How can that person own a domain name without revealing personal information?

PS: I've heard of a feature called "private registration." Is it a safe and risk-free way?

 

[-REECE-]

Not really -- people can still find it out if they **really** want that information.

Rather than worry about that, I would worry about your web host -- make sure you sign up with one who allows that kind of thing.

For an example, a person wants to create a website about politics. And the discussions on the site might be somewhat radical, which can cause trouble to the founder if their information is revealed.
How can that person own a domain name without revealing personal information?

PS: I've heard of a feature called "private registration." Is it a safe and risk-free way?

 

[owntype]

Use fake info to reg an account at registrar which supports wire transfer for paying reg fee & hosting cost.

 

[DnFloorCEO]

Use fake info to reg an account at registrar which supports wire transfer for paying reg fee & hosting cost.

I believe with recent anti-terror laws, that's actually illegal, and can be grounds to get your domain taken away by the registrar.

I would just do a private registration. Many registrars such as name.com allow you to keep your information private for free (but others, such as GoDaddy make you pay a small fee). That should will keep your contact info secret to everybody but the registrar.

 

[owntype]

I believe with recent anti-terror laws, that's actually illegal, and can be grounds to get your domain taken away by the registrar.

Yes, what I mean is there's really no way you can reg a domain name without revealing personal information absolutely.

 

[Dave_Z]

PS: I've heard of a feature called "private registration." Is it a safe and risk-free way?

It's safe up to a certain point, and it's not risk-free. Various providers' agreements state when they'll either give the actual details or remove the service, especially when served with an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Then there are certain providers who (easily?) cave in after being "requested" by government or law enforcement, or even a third party's lawyer, to hand that data over. Some can afford to resist while others aren't, so it depends who you're dealing with.

If anything, at least you're now aware of some risks when using a WHOIS privacy service. If you really want some form of anonymity, sounds like you'd better use a provider that's practically beyond the reach of those who might be offended with what you're intending to do.

 

[BigSotong.com]

most registrar offers free whois privacy / whois protection, which shield your actual whois information and replaced with artificate information. However, if your domain is brought to Registrar attention, due to government agencies complaints etc, your real identity may still be reveal. Thus, if you intend to write/host something that most probably get you in trouble, register a domain name with a fictious identity, signed up for a free email, then subscribe to whois protection, and be prepared to lost the name and website if it really get into trouble.

 

[ali123]

go with these guys?

PRQ - Colocation, Dedicated Servers, Web hosting, VPN Tunnels, Privacy services

They host tpb and wikileaks

 

[Ms Domainer]

Then there are certain providers who (easily?) cave in after being "requested" by government or law enforcement, or even a third party's lawyer, to hand that data over. Some can afford to resist while others aren't, so it depends who you're dealing with.

If anything, at least you're now aware of some risks when using a WHOIS privacy service. If you really want some form of anonymity, sounds like you'd better use a provider that's practically beyond the reach of those who might be offended with what you're intending to do.

*

Avoid GoDaddy for privacy; they'll sing like a canary, with or without a warrant. A letter from a lawyer is sufficient enough to out you.

Also, avoid hosting from GoDaddy; they'll shut you down at any hint of controversy, unless, of course, it involves scantily dressed women.

*

 

[tricolorro]

How can (someone) own a domain name without revealing personal information?

PS: I've heard of a feature called "private registration." Is it a safe and risk-free way?

Hi,

This subject was also brought up today on Reece's blog, LLLL.com.
Private Domain Name Registrations: Why go through all the Trouble? : LLLL.com

I posted a response which I'll repeat here.

There are at least 4 ways to keep your info private:

1)Use domain Privacy from your Registrar
2)Use Fake WhoIs (not recommended- Don't Do It!)
3)Use legitimate services to cover your tracks
4)Register the domain in someone else's name and info with
their permission.
---

Some Registrars offer Free Private registration.

Name.com is an example.

A court order will force the Registrar to reveal your info though.
----

Fake WhoIs should never be used as it could put your domain(s)
at risk should your subterfuge be discovered.

Bounced emails, returned snail mail, disconnected tel #
will do you in.

Invalid WhoIs is a no-no.
----

An alternative to WhoIs Privacy is to use legitimate services which will protect your real info.

Examples:

Hide Your Snail Mail Address:

You can rent a mailbox and use that address on the WhoIs
instead of your home or business address.

The Post Office, Mail Boxes Etc, UPS all offer mailbox rentals.

Or check out the Earth Class Mail service.
The Ultimate PO Box, Post Office Box and Mail Forwarding Service | Earth Class Mail

Some services will forward your mail for an additional fee.
—

Hide Your Phone Number:

Google bought up a neat free telephone service called Grand Central and now called Google Voice.

You can get a free follow-me phone number thru Google Voice.

It’s a really great service.

You can forward your calls to one or all of your other phones
or to none at all.

Each call is recorded in your online account and you get an
email notice when a call comes in.

Info at:
GrandCentral: The New Way to Use Your Phones

I use it on all my domain's WhoIs now.
—–

Hide Your Email Address

Everyone knows Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail.

There is another free email service you should check out at:
GMX.com

Since it’s not so well known most people won’t know it’s a free email account.

Since it's relatively new you might be able to get a good address.

For example, I got domainnames(at)gmx.com but haven't officially used it yet.
—-

So far we've hid our Street Address, Tel # and email address.

Want to Hide Your Name too?

I’ve seen that many companies use “Domain Administrator” or “Domain Manager” in the Name field for WhoIs.

Is that actually okay?

I don’t know but I see it all the time.

Several times today in fact.

For example look at the WhoIs for Moniker.com at:
Whois Domain Name Search - moniker.com
—

Between mailbox rental, free email account ,free Google Voice
tel # and using a generic Business term for your name , your
real WhoIs info can be protected legitimately.

 

[interestedenough]

...but others, such as GoDaddy make you pay a small fee...

At GoDaddy, the first year's fee is $1 and change, then when you renew the domain, they try to stick you with a much higher fee.