WHOIS is Dead? How The Shift From WHOIS to RDAP Impacts Domain Registrars and Our Clients

Jan 31, 2025, 12:05 PM

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As of January 2025, ICANN has sunset the long-established WHOIS domain lookup platform and is transitioning to the more secure Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP).

For businesses and web users, this change may seem subtle. WHOIS data was never visible on a website's front end; it was a key tool for domain registrars to access details like domain ownership. However, the shift from WHOIS to RDAP transforms how this data is stored and accessed, introducing challenges and opportunities for domain registration, brand protection, and online security.

Why did RDAP replace WHOIS?

Since 1998, WHOIS data has been an industry staple under ICANN's stewardship. Yet, limitations in the WHOIS domain lookup process have driven the need for a modern alternative:

• Lack of Standardisation: WHOIS data is text-based and designed for human review rather than automated analysis, complicating efforts like domain monitoring.
• No International Support: A domain name lookup in WHOIS caters to English-speaking markets but struggles with global compatibility.
• Limited Security Protocols: Without proactive WHOIS Privacy, data mining risks exposing registrants to spam or fraud—a concern amplified by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, which demands stricter data anonymisation.

This final drawback was only exacerbated by the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, which required businesses and service providers to be much more proactive in anonymising and securing customer data.

The Benefits of RDAP

With WHOIS data phased out, ICANN champions RDAP as the "definitive source for delivering generic top-level domain name (gTLD) registration information." Key advantages of RDAP vs WHOIS include:

• Built-in Security: RDAP mandates HTTPS connections and authentication, enhancing online security.
• Authoritative Server Access: An RDAP lookup ensures data comes from the most reliable source, supporting efforts like domain dispute resolution.
• Standardised Data: Unlike WHOIS data, RDAP delivers consistent, machine-readable results, streamlining domain monitoring and analysis.

At its core, moving from WHOIS to RDAP modernises how domain registration data is managed, aligning with today's security and privacy demands.

What Does This Shift Mean for Domain Registrars and Clients?

While the WHOIS domain lookup is history, the need for transparency and accountability in domain registration persists. With RDAP in place, We prioritise brand protection, WHOIS Privacy, and security to support our clients. Here's how we're adapting:

• Providing Tiered Access: We enable verified legal and security requests to access WHOIS data, adhering to ICANN and registry policies.
• Supporting Brand Protection Efforts: Our Mark Protect service delivers domain monitoring and enforcement, empowering businesses to combat abusive registrations and safeguard their brands.
• Enhancing Security Measures: We offer DNSSEC, domain locking, and robust verification to prevent fraud and secure online security.
• Facilitating Domain Disputes: With WHOIS restrictions reducing visibility, we streamline Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) and domain recovery processes, aiding clients in domain dispute resolution.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As a leading domain registrar, we advocate for solutions that balance WHOIS Privacy with the needs of businesses operating securely online. Our proactive approach ensures compliance, strengthens brand protection, and supports legitimate stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.

The transition from WHOIS data to RDAP reinforces our unwavering commitment to protecting your business.

Whether securing a domain acquisition, enforcing domain locking, or navigating domain disputes, we're here to provide a secure environment for your online operations.

Are you concerned about WHOIS restrictions affecting your brand or online security?

Contact our team to explore tailored solutions like Mark Protect, DNSSEC, or domain recovery services.

Related Services

WHOIS Privacy: Safeguard your data with expert privacy solutions.

Domain Acquisition: Secure the perfect domain with our strategic acquisition services.

Domain Dispute Resolution: Resolve conflicts efficiently with our UDRP and domain recovery expertise.