FTC and Whosis
In an age in which the badges of credibility are so easily faked or falsified over the internet, the FTC took a stand for the increasing disclosure requirements regarding the identity of of the owners of websites. The full text of the statement can be read here.
"The Federal Trade Commission today told a meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that access to the Whois databases is "critical to the agency's consumer protection laws, to other law enforcement agencies around the world, and to consumers." Whois databases are online information directories that contain contact information about website operators. Access to the databases is in question because one of ICANN's advisory bodies recommended limiting access to Whois data to "technical purposes only."
One of the most important tools in determining the reputation of an internet website is using the whois database. This will tell you who is the registrant of the site, what the address of the registrant is, and other valuable information for your due diligence of a business opportunity. If the site is privately registered, then that by itself is a huge red flag. Real businesses have nothing to hide: scam or fake business cannot stand the even the mildest scrutiny.
I am in agreement with the statement that "consumers also benefit from access to Whois data and cites an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development policy paper that states that "easy identification of online businesses is a key element for building consumer trust in the electronic marketplace. This OECD paper represents an international consensus about the importance of Whois data for consumers." You simply have to be able to identify the players before you know what the game is about.
Technorati Tags: whois databases, whois data, whois database, internet corporation for assigned names and numbers, access, icann, contact, ftc, internet website, information directories, assigned names, disclosure requirements, faked, registrant, badges
Comments
Unfortunately private whois is a safety measurement a lot of us webmasters choose to use to protect ourselves from spam, hijacked identities and personal safety issues.
When you have Mr. Online Crazy as a competitor, you sleep easier at night with a private whois.
I agree though that brick & mortar businesses should have their info public.
Posted by: Terry | June 29, 2006 11:19 PM
I disagree with this analysis. You are far more at risk with respect to identity theft by someone rifling throught your home garbage. Private registration does not breed confidence or reputation, in either online or bricks and mortar companies,
Posted by: Michael Webster | June 29, 2006 11:52 PM
I understand that (in regards to identity theft), but in regards to attracting the attention of someone unstable online--it's unfortunate but very, very real.
I personally had my own fanboy that was getting out of control and was grateful for two things: 1. The based on his IP, he was in the U.S. (I'm in Canada) and 2. That I had a private whois.
Anytime you are putting yourself out there online, you have the risk of attracting attention you don't want.
I know one blogger who wasn't as fortunate as me. Non-controversial blogger. He ended up having to file police reports and installing a security system because the threats to his and his family's safety were getting out of hand. If I remember correctly, the attention was due to this blogger's success--jealousy.
I like to sleep well at night, and my family isn't interested in having to deal with fallout from online unstables either.
I strongly urge anyone online who can't use a business location and business name/info as their whois info to protect their personal info with a private whois. It's only a couple of bucks and could protect you & your family from who knows what.
Posted by: Terry | June 30, 2006 9:06 PM
I think that we have reached a common point of agreement: use your business address when registering your domain name. (If you don't have a business address, then your aren't running business.)
There is no need to post personal information, but your business reputation needs transperancy.
Posted by: michael webster | June 30, 2006 9:38 PM