How much domain owner information is public?

When registering an Australian domain, you are required to provide personal contact information, including your name, address, phone number, and email. This data becomes part of your domain’s public record, accessible via auDA’s WHOIS service. While your contact information cannot be searched (e.g., by email address), anyone can view the details associated with your domain.

In the past, domain owners were concerned about privacy and risk of identity theft. Some attempted to mask their personal details by providing false information, but this was against auDA’s policy.

To address these concerns about privacy and align with international best practice, auDA introduced Image Verification Check (IVC) on the WHOIS service. IVC helps prevent automated systems like bots and scrapers from accessing WHOIS data, which provides a level of protection. Under this system, while your personal address and phone number are kept private, your name and email address remain publicly visible to allow legitimate contact.

Although accurate information is required, there are situations where domain owner details may be requested and disclosed under the Privacy Act of 1988.

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