Is it possible to be anonymous on .co.uk domain names

[Page]

On .com I seem to be able to buy some add on from my supplier where my name is hidden but then do not seem to offer that on .co.uk

 

[fisicx]

What name hidden where?

By law if you are running a commercial site you are suppose to give full contact details when you register the domain.

In any case, adding your name helps to build trust.

 

[Posilan]

On .com I seem to be able to buy some add on from my supplier where my name is hidden but then do not seem to offer that on .co.uk

Yes, Nominet offer WHOIS opt-out on all *.uk domains sold for personal use.

Full details here:

http://www.nominet.org.uk/registrars/systems/data/whoisoptout/

Steve

 

[fisicx]

Yes, Nominet offer WHOIS opt-out on all *.uk domains sold for personal use.

Key bit is the personal use. Nominet says (my emphasis):

Furthermore to qualify for opting out of having address details published, the domain name must not be used for any commercial activity and be unconnected with any business, trade or profession. This includes the display of any pay per click advertising on the site.

Which pretty much covers every site.

 

[Page]

If I just wanted ownership and to not use them with the com ones being used for commercial use then I assume that would be okay ?

What if I put forwarding on them ?

 

[Optegris]

But if the .com domains are being used commercially what's the point?

 

[Posilan]

If I just wanted ownership and to not use them with the com ones being used for commercial use then I assume that would be okay ?

What if I put forwarding on them ?

It basically works like this:

1) You register the domain name and opt for whois privacy
2) Someone sees your domain name is related to business and wants to find your address from it. They can't so they contact Nominet.
3) Nominet will check if it is used for non personal use and if they suspect it is, they will email you stating that you have 5 days to contact them or amend the details in the WHOIS database or WHOIS privacy will be removed.

Details on this is here:

https://secure.nominet.org.uk/account/whois-complaint.html

Basically, there is nothing to stop you doing it, but if Nominet get a complaint, they may reveal your details if it's used for business.

Steve

 

[ecenica]

On .com I seem to be able to buy some add on from my supplier where my name is hidden but then do not seem to offer that on .co.uk

Are you looking to hide just your name?

If you register a UK domain name and check the WHOIS opt-out Nominet will still show your name in WHOIS results.

^Jeff

 

[astutiumRob]

If I just wanted ownership and to not use them with the com ones being used for commercial use

Why would a _business_ want to hide the contact details on the domain registration, when it's a legal requirement for you to have it on the website anyway ?