NiRA Launches WHOIS Data To Curb Spam, Boost Trust

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has launched a WHOIS Privacy Redaction service for .ng domain name holders, aimed curbing spam, reducing unsolicited contact, and strengthening public trust in the country’s domain ecosystem.

The new service automatically conceals sensitive registrant information, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses from the public WHOIS database. These personal details will now be replaced with a standardized data redacted label, effectively shielding domain owners from data harvesters and malicious actors while aligning with international privacy norms.

President of NiRA, Adesola Akinsanya, who made this known, said, the introduction of WHOIS Privacy Redaction is a pivotal development for the .ng domain ecosystem.

“At NiRA, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our registrants and fostering a secure online environment. This free service reflects our dedication to data protection, public trust, and the continued growth of the .ng country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD),” Akinsanya averred.

Although registrants’ contact details will be hidden, critical domain technical data, such as domain status, nameservers, and registration dates remains visible. This ensures that the stability, transparency, and operational reliability of Nigeria’s domain infrastructure are not compromised.

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NiRA has also established a controlled access framework to handle legitimate inquiries, including those from law enforcement agencies. Through registrar-facilitated communication, authorised stakeholders can reach domain holders without breaching their privacy, preserving both accountability and confidentiality.

The redaction service follows months of stakeholder engagement and a resolution reached at the NiRA Registrars Forum. It was formally recommended by the Domain Name Policy Committee and approved by NiRA’s executive board.

Technically powered by a registry-level system that already complies with EU data protection protocols, the service reinforces NiRA’s alignment with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDPA) and strengthens collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

“With this new privacy framework, NiRA is sending a strong signal about its commitment to global standards, user safety, and digital innovation. The launch not only reduces cyber risks for .ng domain owners but also positions Nigeria’s webspace as a secure and trusted digital identity hub in Africa,” NiRA’s president affirmed.