What is WHOIS?
When you register a domain name, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) requires your domain name registrar to submit your personal contact information to the WHOIS database. Once your listing appears in this online directory, it is publicly available to anyone who chooses to check domain names using the WHOIS search tool.
There are a variety of third parties who may check domain names in the WHOIS database, including:
Individuals check domain names for expiration dates
Registrars check domain names when transferring ownership
Authorities check domain names when investigating criminal activity
As an accredited domain names registrar, Network Solutions® must comply with the WHOIS database requirements set forth by ICANN. However, in an effort to ensure that customers feel comfortable with the visibility of their personal information, Network Solutions offers three options for your WHOIS database listing.