The domain name registrar and Web hosting provider Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com) announced on April 5 that it has launched thedangerofnoprivacy.com, a website focused on raising public awareness and promoting debate about a recent government decision to remove privacy safeguards in the registration of .us domain names. A decision by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a part of the US Department of Commerce, requires new registrants of .us domains to submit their phone numbers and addresses for listing in publicly searchable databases. Current holders of .us domains are required to turn over their information no later than January 26, 2006, or face loss of their registered domains. Consumer groups and free speech advocates oppose the decision and insist that it infringes on the privacy rights of US citizens. Go Daddy encourages visitors of the site to sign a petition urging the NTIA to reconsider the decision.
Bob Parsons, president and founder of Go Daddy, said that there are numerous, legitimate reasons why individuals wish to keep their personal, identifying information out of the WHOIS database, that private registrations protect domain name owners from stalkers and harassers, protect against spam and phishing email intrusions, and deter identity and credit card theft, and that they also allow people to operate a business out of their home safely, and to speak anonymously, which is a First Amendment right confirmed by the US Supreme Court.
