Domain privacy is a service offered by domain registrars that helps keep your personal information—like your name, address, phone number, and email—hidden from the public WHOIS database. When you register a domain name, that contact info is required by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Without domain privacy, anyone can look it up.

With domain privacy protection, your registrar swaps your details with generic contact information, reducing spam, potential identity theft, and unwanted solicitations. It’s especially helpful for small businesses or individuals who don’t want their personal info linked to their websites.

How domain privacy works

When you register a domain, you’re required to provide registrant contact details. These details are then listed publicly in the WHOIS directory. Domain privacy protection replaces those with proxy contact information provided by your registrar.

This doesn’t change who legally owns the domain—you still retain full control and ownership—but it hides your identity from public view.

When should you use domain privacy?

Most people should use domain privacy by default. It’s affordable and often bundled with domain registration. You’ll especially want it if:

• You’re launching a website for a small business, portfolio, or blog
• You’re using a personal email address in your domain registration
• You want to avoid spam and unsolicited offers
• You value privacy and want to keep personal data protected

If your business is already public-facing or if you're registering a domain through a corporate entity, domain privacy might be less of a concern—but it’s still a good idea for peace of mind.

Is domain privacy the same as domain security?

Not quite. Domain privacy is about shielding your contact information from the public WHOIS record. Domain security, on the other hand, includes features like DNSSEC, two-factor authentication, and registrar locks to protect your domain from hijacking or unauthorized changes. Both play an important role in your overall online presence.

How domain privacy helps with SEO and trust

While SEO performance isn’t directly affected by domain privacy, having it enabled doesn’t hurt your rankings. In fact, keeping your personal info private can reduce phishing risks or spam that might interrupt your ability to manage or promote your site effectively.

Also, using domain privacy doesn’t interfere with building trust. Users don’t usually access WHOIS records—your AI website builder or business presence on your site is what shapes trust.

FAQs about domain privacy

Does domain privacy cost extra?

It depends on the domain registrar. Some offer it for free, while others charge a small yearly fee. It’s worth checking before you register a domain.

Can I turn domain privacy on or off later?

Yes, most registrars allow you to toggle domain privacy on or off through your account dashboard. Just keep in mind that turning it off will make your contact info public again.

Will domain privacy affect my ability to prove ownership?

Not at all. You’re still the legal owner of the domain. Domain privacy just changes what’s visible in the public WHOIS database.

Can I use domain privacy with any domain extension?

Most domain extensions (like .com, .net, .org) support privacy protection, but some country-specific domains may have different rules. Always check what your TLD allows.

Is domain privacy necessary if I use a business address?

Even if you’re using a business address, it can still be wise to use privacy protection—especially to avoid spam or cold calls from scrapers who harvest WHOIS data.

Why domain privacy is worth considering

When you're setting up a new AI website builder project, launching a blog, or creating a digital storefront, your personal info shouldn’t be a vulnerability. Domain privacy is a small but meaningful layer of protection that helps you focus on growing your site—whether you’re drafting content with B12 AI Assist, managing email marketing, or improving client engagement.

It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it tools that gives you more control without any complexity. And if you’re new to websites, domain privacy is one of the easiest choices to make up front.

Looking to get your idea online with smart tools and built-in security? Sign up with B12 and launch your professional website today.