Do you want to buy a domain name for your website or blog and looking to check whether it is accredited by ICAAN or not? If that is what you are here, then you are in the right place. Today, I will show you step-by-step how to check if a domain registrar is ICAAN accredited.
The main aim of ICANN is that domain registrars must adhere to strict standards for customer protection and service reliability. You may see our guide on what a domain name is and how it works (step-by-step).
When registering a domain name, it’s very very important to make sure that the registrar you’re using is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This article, will show you everything you need to know about ICAAN and how it works in domain name industry.
Now, let’s start.
What is ICANN?
Before we deeply get started, let us understand what ICANN is.
ICANN is an accronym for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a nonprofit organization that oversees and manages domain name systems, IP addresses, and the technical infrastructure for internet functionality. They are responsible for making sure that the domain name industry operates smoothly, and their accreditation serves as a seal of trustworthiness and professionalism for domain registrars.
Buying your domain name from a registrar that is ICANN-accredited means that you are working with a company that meets professional standards to register a domain name, resolve dispute on time, protect your data and that of your visitors or website/blog’s data, and lots more. If you buy you domain name from a company that noy accredited (they don’t not follow the guidelines above), they may put your domain and data at risk.
Now, tell me via the comment box; which company will you want to buy your domain from; ICAAN-accredited or non-ICAAN accredited company. I think you would choose to buy from the company that is accredited by ICAAN, right? So, let’s show you how to check if a domain name registrar is ICAAN accredited.
Steps to check if a domain registrar is ICANN accredited
Step 1: visit ICANN website
The easiest way to check if a domain registrar is ICANN-accredited is to go straight to the ICANN’s official website and find the list of accredited registrars.
- Open your web browser and go to the ICANN website by clicking here.
- Once on the homepage, navigate to the “Registrars” section. You’ll usually find this under the “Resources” tab in the top menu or at the bottom of the homepage.
- In the “Registrars” section, look for the “Accredited Registrar Directory” link. Clicking this will take you to the database where all ICANN-accredited registrars are listed.
Step 2: search the name of the company
Once you’re on the website of ICAAN, you can now search for the name of the company you’re investigating (example, Fastknowers). Though ”Fastknowers is not currently a domain registrar, I just mentioned it to act as an example.
- On the ICAAN website, you’ll find a search bar or filter tools that allow you to type in the registrar’s name.
- Enter the name of the domain registrar in question.
- Hit the “Search” button to process the query.
This will provide you with results that either confirm or deny whether the registrar is listed as ICANN-accredited.
Step 3: check the details
Once you locate the registrar in the directory, make sure to double-check all the provided details to ensure accuracy. The following pieces of information are what you should carefully take note of:
- Registrar’s name: Confirm that the name matches exactly with the registrar you’re dealing with.
- Registrar’s website: ICANN will also list the official website, so ensure that this matches the website where you’re planning to register your domain.
- Registrar ID: Each ICANN-accredited domain registrar is given a unique ID. You can use this ID to further confirm the registrar’s authenticity on ICANN’s website.
- Operating country: The registrar’s operational base is listed in the directory. This helps to ensure you’re looking at the correct registrar.
If all the details match, then the registrar is officially ICANN-accredited that you can reliably buy your domain name from and do further partnership with.
Step 4: find the ICANN logo on the registrar’s website
Another useful step is to visit the registrar’s official website directly. Accredited registrars usually display the ICANN accreditation logo prominently, often in the website’s footer. The ICANN logo provides an extra layer of credibility.
However, be cautious as some unaccredited registrars may misuse the logo. This is why it’s crucial to always verify through the official ICANN directory.
Step 5: check the registrar’s terms and policies
ICANN sets strict guidelines for how accredited registrars should manage customer data, handle domain name disputes, and other business practices. After confirming that the registrar is ICANN-accredited, take time to read their terms of service, privacy policies, and customer agreements.
Look for key aspects that ICANN requires, such as:
- Transparent fee structures: Accredited registrars must have clear pricing information, including renewal fees and any additional services.
- Data protection practices: Verify that the registrar complies with ICANN’s data retention and privacy standards.
- Domain transfer policies: ICANN ensures that registrars follow proper procedures when transferring domains between providers. You may see our step-by-step guide on how to transfer from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.
Now, that you have known what ICAAN means and how to check if a domain registrar is ICAAN accredited, you may ask; why is important to partner with a company that is accredited by ICANN, right? Let me show you brief information why ICAAN accreditation matters.
Why ICANN accreditation matters
1. Consumer protection
ICANN accreditation provides a layer of protection for people who want to buy domain names. Accredited registrars are bound by strict contracts with ICANN, which means they have to follow rules regarding domain ownership, management, and dispute resolution. This reduces the risk of fraud and ensures transparency.
2. Enhanced domain security
ICANN ensures that accredited registrars provide robust security measures for your domain names. This is crucial in preventing domain hijacking, unauthorized transfers, and other malicious activities.
Accredited registrars also offer Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which adds an additional layer of protection.
3. Legitimate business practices
ICANN-accredited registrars must adhere to proper business practices, including clearly outlining pricing, renewal policies, and privacy protocols. Non-accredited registrars may not offer the same level of transparency or follow ICANN’s guidelines for ethical conduct.
How do non-ICAAN-accredited domain registrars do their business
When dealing with non-ICANN-accredited domain name registrars, you risk falling into a trap of shady business practices. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Hidden fees: some non-accredited registrars lure customers in with low prices but then charge hidden fees for essential services like domain transfer.
- Data privacy risks: they may not follow proper data protection protocols, putting your personal and business information at risk.
- Domain locking issues: non-accredited registrars may permanently lock your domain to make it difficult for you to transfer to a different provider.
- Poor customer support: Accredited registrars are more likely to offer reliable customer support since they adhere to ICANN’s standards.
Conclusion
ICANN accreditation is a vital component of domain name security and domain name buyer protection. I hope this article has shown enough things about ICANN and reasons why you have to check if a domain registrar is ICANN-accredited. You may see our expert guide on how to check a domain authority score.
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Always take the time to cross-check any registrar you plan to use to ensure that you’re going to work with a trustworthy domain name provider in order help protect your domain name and avoid downtime issues in the future. If you need help in finding the best company to buy your domain name from or how to configure your domain name and web hosting, feel free to contact us.
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