Network Solutions Launches Internet Privacy Website
 

Network Solutions, a full-service provider of domain names, Web sites and e-mail services, today announced specific precautions customers can take to protect their personal information associated with their domain name registrations with the launch of a new consumer privacy advocate Web site, http://www.internetprivacyadvocate.org.

The site was created to educate domain name customers and the general public on Internet privacy issues related to domain name registrations and serves as a resource for understanding related industry issues. Network Solutions is the first registrar to offer such a comprehensive forum devoted to providing education and tools to its customers and the general public to assist them in protecting their online privacy.

Currently, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the non-profit organization formed to assume responsibility for the domain name system management, requires all domain name holders to provide accurate contact information-name, phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address-as part of the public WhoIs database, allowing anyone to look up this information as it relates to a particular domain name. Network Solutions is working with various industry and policy organizations to minimize consumers' risk of having their personal data exploited.

"There is growing public concern over personal data getting into the wrong hands," said John Donoghue, executive vice president, Network Solutions. "At Network Solutions, we responded to our customers' concerns over Internet privacy with the launch of this Web site. They now have a one-stop online resource which explains steps they can take to minimize exposure of their personal information as it relates to the domain name registration process."

After conducting a recent survey, Network Solutions found that over 70% of customers surveyed have concerns about their WhoIs information being available for sale through Bulk WhoIs and a full 50% have taken steps to opt out having their information included in Bulk WhoIs.

"I am uncomfortable that my personal information, specifically my e-mail address, is available to the public over the Internet," said Mr. James Hill, a Network Solutions' customer. "I receive numerous marketing gimmicks over e-mail on a daily basis and it is frustrating and time-consuming to weed through. With its new privacy advocate Web site, Network Solutions is helping domain name customers learn about their privacy rights and how consumers can protect against unauthorized use of personal data."

By visiting http://www.internetprivacyadvocate.org, consumers will find a variety of steps they can take to protect their privacy, reduce SPAM and protect their domain name registration(s) from hijacking and unauthorized transfers.

About Network Solutions, Inc.
Network Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of VeriSign, Inc., offers a full range of Web-related services, including domain names, Web sites and e-mail, that make it simpler and affordable for customers to build and manage a Web presence through a single, experienced provider. As the industry's largest registrar of domain names, Network Solutions manages more than 8.9 million domain names.

For more information, please visit www.networksolutions.com.