What’s The Difference Between A Public Domain Name And A Private Domain Name?

Posted on July 9, 2011 by GDtutoradmin

According to Godaddy’s registrar agreement with Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), your contact information you use to register your domain name must be made public.

Make sure you do not use fake or inaccurate information. Doing so could potentially cause you to lose your domain name.

It is understandable that some people may not want to use their correct contract information such as your real name, home address, phone number, etc. If you prefer not to use your real information, then you should add Privacy to your domain registration. This way you use your real information, but it gets shieded through the use of Privacy.

Godaddy offers privacy through a company called Domains By Proxy® (DBP), since 2002.

When you purchase DBP Private Registration services, the Whois database only lists Domains By Proxy’s name, mailing address, and phone number rather that your personal information.

Even DBP is listed as the registrant of your domain name, you maintain full control over your domain name.

This mean you can still:

Delete, sell, or renew your domain name
Maintain Control the content for your website
Set the name servers for your domain names
Modify and update the contact information as needed on your domain name
Resolve any and all disputes involving your domain name

Private Registration (aka privacy) provides a variety of benefits! It helps you:

Protect your identity
Stop domain name-related spam
Keep your distance from harassers and stalkers
Stop data mining
Maintain personal and family privacy
Prevent your domain from being hijacked
Shield legitimate entrepreneurial business endeavors
Voice political and other First Amendment speech

Domains By Proxy® doesn’t allow you to use its services for spamming, violating the law, or engaging in morally objectionable activities. Violating these policies will result in service cancellation.

If you still have questions or concerns, you should read Godaddy’s terms of service on their website.