auDRPIt is internationally usual for registries to make domain data (so-called Whois-data) available to the public. One reason is to get information about the person who is responsible for the content and offerings of a website, as not all websites contain the imprint prescribed by the law. On the other hand, it is possible to contact the domain holder directly in case of a legal infringement (e.g. regarding content, spam, domain grabbing etc.).
Publication regulated in the nic.at General Terms and Conditions
With the registration of a domain the holder expressly accepts the publication of his data (see point 1.5. of the General Terms and Conditions). This also applies if the domain was registered by a different person on behalf of the customer.
Appointment of a trustee in order to prevent publication
The display of the phone or fax number as well as the e-mail address can be hidden in the public database – this requires a modification of the person data. If the entire data should be hidden, the domain holder needs to appoint a trustee (e.g. notary, lawyer, ISP) by transferring the domain to him. We recommend to define the trustee’s rights regarding the domain by concluding a (written) contract, as the trustee is specified as the official domain holder who is fully authorised to dispose of the domain.
Whois-queries are subject to copyright
The nic.at Whois-database is a copyrighted database. Single domain queries are have been made available to the internet community and are free of charge until further notice. nic.at has the sole right to duplicate, disperse, submit or publish the database or parts of it.