Yes, .co.uk domains can be kept private through a service known as domain privacy protection or WHOIS privacy. When you register a domain, your contact information, including your name, address, email, and phone number, is typically recorded in the WHOIS database, which is a publicly accessible database of domain registrations.
Domain privacy protection, also called WHOIS privacy or WHOIS masking, allows you to keep your personal contact information private and replaces it with the contact details of the domain privacy service provider in the WHOIS database. Here’s how it works:
- Purchase Privacy Protection: When registering or managing your .co.uk domain, you can opt for domain privacy protection as an additional service offered by your domain registrar. There may be an annual fee for this service. UKC does not charge for UK domain privacy protection.
- Replacement of Contact Information: The domain privacy service provider will replace your personal contact details in the WHOIS database with their own contact information. This ensures that your personal information is not publicly accessible.
- Forwarding of Legitimate Inquiries: While your contact information is shielded from public view, legitimate inquiries related to your domain are forwarded to you through a secure and private channel. This allows you to respond to important matters without exposing your personal details.
- Protection Against Spam and Unwanted Contacts: Domain privacy protection helps protect you from unsolicited emails, spam, and unwanted contacts that can result from publicly available WHOIS information.
By enabling domain privacy protection, you can maintain your privacy while still having full control over your .co.uk domain. It’s a valuable service for individuals and businesses concerned about their personal information being accessible to the public.