By Jakob Bring Truelsen, CEO of DIFO
This comment was originally published in Berlingske Business (Danish)
In a debate post in Berlingske (23.05.18), Statton Hammock writes, how it with the forthcoming Personal Data Regulation (GDPR), will be more difficult for brands to protect themselves from infringements, as a direct result of all personal contact information in WHOIS databases becoming hidden.
This however will not be the case for Danish domain names. They will still be accessible in an open and transparent WHOIS database - even after the landmark date on Friday, May 25, when the Data Protection Regulation enters into force.
This is possible because we have a domain law in Denmark, which clearly states that DIFO – as the administrator of the .dk zone - is required to publish the information, about those who have the right to use a .dk domain name. Section 18 of the law clearly states that we must make the names, addresses and telephone numbers publicly available, unless the registrant has name and address protection. And when you have a legal obligation, GDPR does not interfere.
Therefore, we will continue to publish the information - for the benefit of those who need to know who is behind a given domain name. Regardless of whether it is because you want to protect your brand, investigate a crime, do research or just satisfy your curiosity.
In most other countries, there is no law that obliges domain administrators to show who is responsible for registering domain names, and therefore, in these countries, there will likely be a change in the WHOIS database, as Statton Hammock states.
Therefore, even though darkness is likely to envelop the worlds other WHOIS databases – the Danish one will remain illuminated.
