Domain registrar Network Solutions this week
changed its Whois directory listings to exclude the date domain names were
registered.
Previously, individuals who went to Network Solutions’ InterNIC registration service and searched
on a domain name would see a detailed listing including who the name was
registered to and when they registered it.
Network Solutions spokesman Chuck Gomes said the change was made for
several reasons.
“It seemed reasonable that most registrants and even their agents should
know the registration date for their domain names. Second, even if they do
not keep accurate records of their anniversary date, we send out an e-mail
60 days in advance of the renewal date. Third, our payment terms are very
clearly stated so registrants should be able to do the simple arithmetic to
determine when a payment is due.
“There does not seem to be any reason why third parties need to know the
anniversary date or status of domain names for which they have no
association. If they feel they need this information, they should contact
the registrant,” he said.
Network Solutions has come under fire over the past few weeks from Web
developers who say the service has been slow to register requested domains.
In some cases, critics have said Network Solutions has told them a domain
was available when it in fact was already registered.
The company blamed those problems on a spike in domain registrations.