WHOIS privacy, is it a must?

Does anyone know, when you use WHOIS privacy, is your name hidden only in the publicly available database, or everywhere? I am just wondering if there is some ICANN database of WHOIS information that all the registrars can access (so your info would be hidden from the public, but not internally for ICANN registrars). Google is an ICANN accredited registrar..

I have seen mentions of this from time to time, but I am not sure what is the real case.

In case you want to build a PBN, whois privacy is a footprint where G could go behind it.

"Natural" blogger sites usually don't use whois privacy...

Cheers
Dan

I wouldn't skip whois privacy especially if personal details are involved, why because you would end up, getting so many spam mail & cold callers, it can be somewhat frustrating.

Never skimp on privacy

AFAIK you can hide your info through CloudFlare

Whois privacy depends on a domain zone. There are different rules for every domain zone.

Well it is not really must but it will help your email to get save from attack.

I agree with most here. It all depends on what the site will be used for but having it all private is not a bad idea.

If you build a white, long term project, never ever use private. It totally hurts your credibility.

Btw, http://www.gandi.net/ provides a free whois privacy, but it's not a cheap service.

As far as whether whois privacy is worth paying for or not, the real question is: who are you trying to hide from?

Whois privacy services will afford you a reasonable amount of protection from spam and prank calls, but definitely not from law enforcement or even a determined plaintiff in a civil suit. Many of these domain registrars offering whois privacy protection will hand over your information without much of a fight.

If you're seriously concerned about your privacy: (1) pick your registrar carefully and consider using a registrar subject to 'friendly' legal/administrative regulations, and/or (2) register the domain under a company's name with a virtual office or P.O. box address.

If you register enough domain names annually, it might make sense to setup your own 'domains by proxy' service. Assuming you're willing to deal with some of the legal and tax paperwork yourself, it shouldn't cost you more than $400 USD annually between the company registration, registered agent fees and P.O. box.

Yes , I have got Email from Namesilo dot com that need to WHOIS

I've always just used fake names but haven't clue if it has any effect on anything.