Keeping Website Ownership Anonymous

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I write under a pseudonym and it is important that the anonymity of this be maintained (for a variety of reasons that aren't important to this discussion). I would like to make a website to promote the writing I do under that name, but I'm a bit worried about the WHOIS information being accessible.

I've read about the anonymous domain registration services, but apparently they aren't too reliable? Does anyone have any experience/insight into that?

I'm in Canada, and as far as I can tell the laws here are similar to those in the States, but it seems like maybe things are different in the UK? Anyone know about this? And would there be any problems with living in one jurisdiction and registering a domain in another?

I should add that I'm not worried about hiding from the police or other legitimate authorities. Nothing illegal going on, just a need for privacy and discretion in my personal life. (And, no, Kate Sherwood is not my real name, although I'm getting quite attached to it!)

Thanks for any help.
 

Mechasa

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I think the way it works is that with .co.uk domains there is a proper option to keep your details annonymous when you register them. Whereas with most other domains like .com, .net, etc. there is no real option like this.

However, in its place a lot of domain registration companies offer a service where your details are replaced with a standard proxy service's details, which forwards on any emails to you. You usually have a pay a bit extra for this, but it does keep your details from appearing on the whois record.

However, I think if someone was really determined to find out who you are, then this wouldn't necessarily stop them, as there may be a way for them to request your details by sending an official-sounding request to the proxy service (it would depend on their policies for giving details out).
 

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So, larocca, how did you register that? And do you know if the anonymity would stand up to a challenge like the one Mechasa described?

Thanks for any help.
 

shadowwalker

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I've never thought about anonymity issues, but could you not have someone be your proxy owner? They would own it, but you would have "creative control" type thing. I don't know if that's even possible, but just a thought.
 

Williebee

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This is going to come down to, in part, just who you want to be anonymous from.

There are a number of hosting services out there that will keep the ownership shielded from simple "whois" searches, much as a law firm can handle your business information and keep it separate from your personal information. But, if the Government wants the info, they'll get it.

ETA: Reading it again, the whole "law firm" thing makes it sound much more dramatic than it is. :)
 
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marcel

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Create a company
Shield the company using the best incorporation state - Delaware or Nevada
Place your credit card or paypal under your company name
buy your domain.
Hide your registration details.

They will have some of digging to do.

Hope that helps ! :)