What Is WHOIS Privacy Protection?
When you register a domain name, your personal details — including your name, address, email, and phone number — are recorded in a public database called WHOIS. Anyone can look up this information using a WHOIS search tool. Domain privacy protection replaces your personal details with those of a privacy proxy service, keeping your information hidden.
Why You Should Enable WHOIS Privacy
- Prevent spam. Without privacy, your email and phone number are exposed to spammers and telemarketers who scrape WHOIS data.
- Reduce identity theft risk. Publicly available personal details can be exploited for social engineering and fraud.
- Protect your home address. If you run a business from home, privacy protection prevents your residential address from being published.
- Avoid unwanted solicitations. Domain brokers and SEO companies frequently contact domain owners whose details are public.
How to Enable WHOIS Privacy
- Log in to your SillyHost client area.
- Go to Domains > My Domains and click on the domain name.
- Look for the ID Protection or WHOIS Privacy option.
- Toggle it to Enabled.
- Save your changes. The privacy proxy details will replace your personal information within a few minutes.
Pricing and Availability
WHOIS privacy is available for most generic TLDs such as .com, .net, and .org. Some country-code TLDs like .co.uk have their own privacy mechanisms managed by the relevant registry (e.g., Nominet for UK domains). At SillyHost, we include WHOIS privacy free of charge with all eligible domain registrations.
When to Disable Privacy
You may need to temporarily disable WHOIS privacy when transferring a domain to another registrar, as the approval emails need to reach your real email address.