Whois

What Does Whois Mean?

Whois is an Internet service and protocol used to query databases of domain name registrars. It retrieves and displays information pertaining to domain names from repositories of domain name registrars worldwide. It was first conceived in 1982 as an enhancement to the Nickname protocol developed by ARPANET.

The purpose of Whois is to check if a specific domain name is available and, if registered, identify the person or entity it is registered to. The Whois record is often compared to a phonebook for websites, providing ownership information and contact details. However, some information may remain private for data protection.

Whois is regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It operates using the Whois protocol – a TCP-based query and response protocol that stores and delivers database content in a human-readable format, as outlined in RFC 3912.

There are general services, often referred to as whois services, to look up publicly available information, including a business or individual’s name, number, email, Instagram account phone number, and social media profiles. However, these general services should not be confused with the Whois protocol which is a specific Internet service regulated by ICANN.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What Does Whois Mean?
2. Key Takeaways
3. Whois Importance
4. How Whois Lookup Works
5. What Is the Whois Database?
6. Types of Whois Lookup Data Models
7. DNS vs. Whois
8. Whois Privacy
9. Whois Pros & Cons
10. The Bottom Line
11. FAQs
12. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What Does Whois Mean?
2. Key Takeaways
3. Whois Importance
Show Full Guide
4. How Whois Lookup Works
5. What Is the Whois Database?
6. Types of Whois Lookup Data Models
7. DNS vs. Whois
8. Whois Privacy
9. Whois Pros & Cons
10. The Bottom Line
11. FAQs
12. References

Whois Importance

Whois service is primarily used to identify and search for a specific domain name. It also supports searching IP addresses and proprietary intranet systems. For a registered domain lookup, the Whois record contains the following information associated with a domain name’s registration:

• Domain name
• Registrar
• Registrant information
• Administrative contacts
• Technical contacts
• Registration date
• Expiration date
• Name servers
• Domain status

How Whois Lookup Works

In simple terms, whois lookup can be described as a process that retrieves domain name registration details using the Whois protocol. It enables users to find registration and owner information for a domain name or perform an IP address lookup to find network details.

What Is the Whois Database?

The Whois database is a public directory of registered domain names and their owners. Contact information is required when an individual or entity registers a domain name. This information is submitted to the appropriate registry, then added and stored in the public Whois database, which is regulated by ICANN.

Types of Whois Lookup Data Models

There are two data models for storing Whois resource information. This includes the Whois thick and thin models:

DNS vs. Whois

Whois Privacy

Earlier versions of Whois allowed searches based on the last names of individuals, keywords, and administrator names. However, these services were discontinued due to concerns over lack of domain privacy and unethical use, such as spam and data scraping.

Public Whois records may expose the registrant’s personal information, including their name, email address, mailing address, and phone number. Today, many domain registrars offer Whois privacy protection, which displays the registrar’s information rather than the individual or company who registered the domain.

When registering or renewing a domain name, you may wonder what Whois privacy is and how to enable it. Typically it is offered as an add-on service purchased through the registrar’s website. Also, regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) restricts the amount of publicly accessible Whois data.

While these measures help protect the privacy of individuals and businesses, keep in mind that some organizations – such as law enforcement agencies – may access full registration details when necessary and with proper authorization.

Whois Pros & Cons

The Bottom Line

The whois definition refers to an Internet service and protocol regulated by ICANN that retrieves domain name registration details. It helps users verify domain ownership, check availability, and access technical and administrative contact information.

Whois records contain registrar details, name servers, and status information. However, public Whois data has raised concerns over privacy and misuse. These issues are primarily addressed through Whois privacy protection and GDPR restrictions, which limit publicly accessible details but do not guarantee anonymity from legally authorized requests.

While Whois provides transparency by identifying domain owners, including those behind fraudulent or malicious websites, keep in mind that when registering a domain name, your personal information may still be publicly accessible unless Whois privacy protection is enabled.

FAQs