Legal
WHOIS Privacy Disclosure
Last updated: August 2026
This WHOIS Privacy Disclosure (“Disclosure”) explains how Next Wave Host (“we”, “us”, “our”) handles WHOIS information, privacy protection, and data visibility for domain names registered or transferred through our platform. By using our domain services, you agree to this Disclosure and all applicable ICANN policies.
1. What Is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a publicly accessible database that displays domain ownership information, including:
- Registrant name
- Organization (if applicable)
- Address
- Phone number
- Registrar information
- Domain creation and expiration dates
WHOIS is required by ICANN for transparency and accountability in domain ownership.
2. WHOIS Privacy / ID Protection
WHOIS Privacy (also known as ID Protection or WHOIS Shield) replaces your personal information with proxy details to protect your identity.
2.1 What WHOIS Privacy Hides
When enabled, WHOIS Privacy hides:
- Your name
- Your organization
- Your physical address
- Your email address
- Your phone number
2.2 What WHOIS Privacy Shows
Instead, the WHOIS record displays:
- Proxy contact information
- Proxy email forwarding system
- Registrar details
- Domain status and dates
You remain the legal owner of the domain.
3. WHOIS Privacy Limitations
WHOIS Privacy does MOT:
- Hide domain creation or expiration dates
- Hide registrar information
- Hide registry status codes
- Prevent legal or regulatory access
- Prevent ICANN‑required disclosure
- Protect domains involved in abuse or illegal activity
WHOIS Privacy is not a shield for unlawful behavior.
4. When WHOIS Privacy May Be Disabled
WHOIS Privacy may be temporarily or permanently disabled if:
- Required by ICANN
- Required by the registry
- Required by law enforcement
- Required for UDRP or legal disputes
- Abuse, spam, or phishing complaints are filed
- Fraud or illegal activity is suspected
- You request removal of privacy
We comply with all legal and regulatory obligations.
5. WHOIS Accuracy Requirements
Even with WHOIS Privacy enabled, you must maintain accurate underlying registrant information, including:
- Legal name
- Valid email address
- Physical address
- Phone number
Failure to maintain accurate information may result in:
- Suspension
- Cancellation
- Loss of domain
- ICANN compliance actions
6. Email Forwarding System
WHOIS Privacy includes an email forwarding system that:
- Forwards messages sent to the proxy email
- Protects your real email address
- Allows legitimate contact attempts
Spam filtering may apply.
7. Domains Not Eligible for WHOIS Privacy
Some TLDs do NOT support WHOIS Privacy, including:
- Certain country‑code domains (ccTLDs)
- Registry‑restricted domains
- Government‑regulated domains
Availability depends on registry rules.
8. Abuse, Spam & Illegal Activity
WHOIS Privacy will be removed if:
- Abuse complaints are verified
- Spam or phishing is detected
- Malware is hosted
- Fraud is suspected
- Legal authorities request disclosure
We cooperate fully with law enforcement and ICANN.
9. Data Disclosure to Third Parties
We may disclose registrant information to:
- ICANN
- Registry operators
- Law enforcement
- Courts
- UDRP providers
- Authorized legal entities
Disclosure occurs only when required by law or policy.
10. Your Responsibilities
You agree to:
- Maintain accurate registrant information
- Use WHOIS Privacy lawfully
- Respond to verification requests
- Comply with ICANN policies
- Avoid abuse or illegal activity
Failure to comply may result in removal of WHOIS Privacy.
11. Changes to This Disclosure
We may update this Disclosure at any time. Continued use of domain services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
12. Contact Information
Next Wave Host Support:
Email: support@nextwavehost.com
Website: nextwavehost.com
Contact form: Contact Us
Related policies
Domain Registration Agreement · Domain Transfer Policy · Terms of Service