Who owns the domain? WHOIS domain query!

The WHOIS database is a publicly accessible directory containing information on the registration of domain names on the Internet. This database is maintained by various registries and registrar services worldwide. Here are some of the most important points about the WHOIS database:

PurposeThe WHOIS database is used to provide information about domain registrations, including the identity of the registrant (the person or organization that owns the domain), contact information, and technical and administrative details.

ContentsInformation listed in the WHOIS database includes:

• The name of the registrant (domain holder)
• The registrant's e-mail address and telephone number
• The name and contact details of the administrative contact person
• The name and contact details of the technical contact person
• The registration date and the expiration date of the domain
• The registrar (the organization that registered the domain.

AccessibilityAnyone can access the WHOIS database to obtain information about a specific domain name. This is usually done via online WHOIS services or special WHOIS search tools.

PrivacyData protection concerns have grown in recent years, especially with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Many registrars are therefore anonymizing some WHOIS data or offering privacy services to protect registrants' personal information.

BenefitWHOIS database is useful for various purposes, including:

• Tracking and combating abuse and cybercrime
• Resolution of domain disputes
• Contacting domain holders
• Checking the availability of domain names
• Research for business or legal purposes

In summary, the WHOIS database is an essential tool for the transparency and management of the domain name system on the Internet, which plays an important role in providing information on domain registrations.

The accuracy of WHOIS data can vary and depends on several factors. Here are some aspects that influence the reliability of WHOIS data:

Registrant responsibilityRegistrants are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information when registering a domain. Many registrars require confirmation of the information provided to ensure accuracy.

Regular updatingWHOIS data should be updated regularly, especially if the registrant's contact information changes. Some registrars send regular reminders to domain holders to ensure that the data is up to date.

Data protection servicesMany registrants use privacy protection services that replace the domain owner's personal information with the service provider's contact information. These practices can limit the direct accuracy of WHOIS data, although the underlying information remains accurate at the registrar.

Outdated informationIn some cases, WHOIS data may be out of date, especially if the registrant has not updated their information after the original registration. This can happen with domains that have been registered for many years.

Data protection regulationsWith the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and similar laws worldwide, many registrars have restricted the amount of publicly available WHOIS data. This can affect the visibility and thus the apparent accuracy of WHOIS data, even though the information stored is correct.

Incorrect informationThere are also cases in which registrants deliberately provide false information in order to conceal their identity. However, such practices are generally prohibited by the registrars and can lead to the termination of the domain registration.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) plays a central role in the domain name system and is actually very important in terms of WHOIS data. Here is some information about ICANN and its relevance to WHOIS data:

Management of the domain name system (DNS):

• ICANN is the organization responsible for coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS), which includes the administration of domain names and IP addresses.
• It ensures that the DNS is stable and secure and that domain names are managed uniquely and consistently worldwide.

Regulation of registrars and registries:

• ICANN accredits domain registrars and registries (the organizations that administer top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .net and .org).
• Registrars and registries must follow ICANN's policies and contracts, which include provisions for the management and provision of WHOIS data.

WHOIS data guidelines:

• ICANN develops and implements guidelines for the collection, storage and provision of WHOIS data.
• These guidelines specify what information must be provided by registrants and how this data should be made publicly available.

Data protection and GDPR:

• Following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, ICANN has made adjustments to its WHOIS guidelines in order to comply with data protection regulations.
• ICANN is continuously working to find a balance between the availability of WHOIS data and the protection of registrants' privacy.

Compliance and enforcement:

• ICANN monitors compliance with its guidelines by registrars and registries.
• In the event of non-compliance, ICANN may take action, including suspension or termination of accreditations.

The ICANN is a key organization responsible for the regulation and management of WHOIS data. Its policies and actions ensure that WHOIS data is accurate and accessible, while at the same time protecting the privacy of registrants. When designing FAQ content for a WHOIS page, it is important to mention the role of ICANN to give users a full understanding of the governance structure and regulatory framework.

Updating WHOIS information is an important step to ensure that the contact information for your domain is current and accurate. Here are the steps you can follow to update your WHOIS information:

Steps to update the WHOIS information

Log in to the registrar:

• Visit the website of the registrar with whom you have registered your domain.
• Log in to your customer account with your access data (user name and password).

Navigate to the domain management area:

• Search for the area or menu item that relates to the administration of your domains. This could be labeled "My domains", "Domain management" or similar.

Select the domain to be edited:

• Select the domain whose WHOIS information you want to update. This can be done by clicking on the domain name or a corresponding button.

Editing the WHOIS information:

• Look for the option to edit the WHOIS contact details. This can be found under an area such as "Contact information", "WHOIS details" or "Domain contacts".
• Update the relevant fields with the current information. This usually includes:
• Registrant contact (name, address, e-mail, telephone number)
• Administrative contact information
• Technical contact information
• Invoice contact information

Saving the changes:

• After updating the information, make sure you save or confirm the changes. There may be a button such as "Save", "Update" or "Apply changes".

Confirmation:

• Some registrars may send a confirmation email to the new email address to verify the changes. Make sure you confirm this email if necessary.

Additional tips

• Regular reviewCheck your WHOIS information regularly to make sure it is up to date, especially if your contact information changes.
• Data protection servicesIf you use data protection services (Privacy Protection), make sure that these services also have your current contact information so that they can contact you if necessary.
• ComplianceFollow the guidelines and regulations of your registrar and ICANN regarding the provision and updating of WHOIS data.

Important notes

• Data protection and GDPRPlease note that due to data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR), some registrars may anonymize or restrict certain information. Nevertheless, make sure that the information provided is correct and up-to-date.
• Contact the registrarIf you have any problems or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact your registrar's customer service. They will be able to help you update your WHOIS information.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your WHOIS information is up-to-date and accurate, which not only fulfills legal requirements, but also makes your domain easier to reach and manage.

Responsibility for the WHOIS database is spread across several levels, with various organizations and entities playing a role:

1. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)

ICANN is the main organization responsible for the global coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS) and thus also for the WHOIS database. It develops policies and procedures for the collection, storage and provision of WHOIS data. ICANN works with registries and registrars to ensure that WHOIS data is accurate and accessible.

2. Registries

Registries are organizations that manage top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .net, .org and country code TLDs (.de, .uk, etc.). Each registry manages the WHOIS data for the domains under its TLD. For example, Verisign manages the WHOIS data for .com and .net domains.

3. Registrars

Registrars are companies that register domain names on behalf of registrants (domain holders). They collect and manage the WHOIS data for the domains they register. Registrars are obliged to update and provide the WHOIS data in accordance with the guidelines of ICANN and the respective registry. Examples of registrars are GoDaddy, Namecheap and 1&1 IONOS.

4. Registrants

Registrants are the end users who register domain names. They are responsible for providing correct and up-to-date information when they register a domain and for updating this information when necessary.

In summary:

• ICANN: Sets global guidelines and monitors compliance with them.
• RegistriesManage WHOIS data for specific TLDs.
• RegistrarsCollect and update WHOIS data on behalf of registrants.
• RegistrantsProvide accurate information and update it when changes occur.

This collaboration ensures that the WHOIS database functions efficiently and that both the integrity and accessibility of domain registration information is guaranteed worldwide.

The WHOIS lookup tool at ORC Web Hosting is a useful tool to get information about domain names. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this tool:

Access to the websiteVisit the ORC web hosting website and navigate to the WHOIS lookup tool. This is usually located in the Domain services or can be found via the main menu or the footer of the website.

Entering the domain nameEnter the domain name you want to check. Make sure you enter the full domain name including the top-level domain (e.g. .ch, .com, .net, .org).

Initiating the searchClick on the "Search" or "Lookup" button to start the query. The tool will then search the WHOIS database and retrieve the information for the domain entered.

Display of the resultsAfter a few seconds, the tool will display the information for the specified domain. This information may include the following:

• Registrant details (name, address, e-mail, telephone number)
• Registration date and expiration date of the domain
• Name of the registrar
• Nameservers that are used for the domain
• Technical and administrative contact details

Interpretation of the dataUse the information displayed as required. If you need the data to contact the domain owner, to check domain availability or for other purposes, it is now available to you.

Observe data protectionPlease note that due to data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, some information may be displayed anonymously or with restrictions. If you have any questions or need more detailed information, you can contact the registrar or ORC Webhosting technical support.

Further stepsDepending on the results of the query, you can take further steps, such as contacting the domain owner, checking domain availability or taking legal action in the event of domain disputes.

In summary, the WHOIS lookup tool at ORC Web Hosting is easy to use and provides valuable information about domain names. It helps to manage and monitor domains and supports you in making important decisions regarding your online presence.