When you register a domain, your contact details are collected and stored in a public database called WHOIS. Many users are concerned about the visibility of this data (name, email, phone) and the risk of receiving spam messages. Here's how things currently stand:

1. Data visibility and GDPR

Since the entry into force of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in May 2018, the way data is displayed has changed radically:

• Physical Persons: For most extensions (including .ro, .com, .net), personal data (name, address, email, phone) are automatically hidden in the public WHOIS interface. In their place, messages like "Data protected" or "Redacted for privacy" appear.

• Legal Entities (Companies): Company data (company name, registered office, business email) usually remains visible, as GDPR applies mainly the data of natural persons.

2. What is the ID Protection (Whois Privacy) service?

For certain international extensions (such as .com, .net, .biz), there is an additional service called ID Protection or Whois Privacy.

• This service completely replaces your Whois data with the data of a protection service (proxy), providing an additional layer of anonymity.

• Even with GDPR active, some customers prefer this service to prevent email address collection by spam bots looking for database breaches.

3. The situation of .ro

For .ro domains, the national registry (ROTLD) automatically applies data protection for natural persons.

• It is not necessary to purchase a separate "Whois Privacy" service.

• The name and email address of individuals are protected by default and are not displayed in public queries.

4. Can data be hidden if it is visible?

If you own an international domain and notice that your data is still visible:

1. Check your TicketHelp account settings: Go to the "Domains" -> "Manage" -> "ID Protection" section.

2. Enable ID Protection: If the extension allows, you can enable this service to replace your data with that of a privacy provider.

3. Companies: If the domain is on the company, the data will remain public according to commercial regulations.

5. The risks of public data

Exposing data in Whois can lead to:

• Massive spam: Marketing firms that "scan" new domains.

• Phishing attempts: Fake emails claiming your domain is expiring and asking for payment to an external account.

• Telemarketing: Unsolicited calls from web design or SEO agencies.