Privacy Policy — Names.com

This Privacy Policy explains how Names.com ("Names.com", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you visit our website, create an account, submit an inquiry, register a domain, or use our tools and services (collectively, the "Services"). By using the Services, you agree to the practices described here.

Names.com operates as a white-label reseller of domain registration services provided through OpenSRS (a Tucows company). When you register a domain, certain information must be shared with the registrar, registry operators, and ICANN as described below.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide

Account information: your name, email address, and a password (stored only in hashed form).
Inquiries and leads: when you submit a lease, purchase, brokerage, acquisition, or contact request, we collect your name, email, phone number (if provided), the domain or topic of interest, and any message you send.
Domain registration data: to register a domain we collect registrant, administrative, technical, and billing contact details (name, organization, postal address, email, and phone). This data is required by ICANN and registry operators and is transmitted to our registrar partner.
Payment information: payments are processed by third-party payment providers. We do not collect or store full card numbers on our servers; we may retain limited transaction records (such as an order reference and amount).
AI tool inputs: descriptions of your business, idea, or branding that you enter into our naming concierge or other AI features.

Information collected automatically

Usage and device data: IP address, browser type, pages viewed, referring pages, and timestamps.
Cookies and local storage: we use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and operate the site. Our installable app (PWA) uses a service worker and local caches to improve performance; this data stays on your device.

2. How We Use Information

To provide, operate, and improve the Services.
To respond to inquiries and connect you with our brokerage or registration services.
To process domain registrations, leases, renewals, transfers, and related transactions.
To send transactional and service communications (for example, confirmations and replies to inquiries).
To generate name recommendations and other AI-assisted outputs you request.
To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues.
To comply with legal, regulatory, and registry obligations.

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as needed to provide the Services:

Registrar and registries: domain registration data is shared with OpenSRS/Tucows, the relevant registry operators, and ICANN, as required to register and maintain a domain. Some of this information may appear in the public WHOIS/RDAP directory unless a privacy service applies.
Payment processors: to complete purchases and prevent fraud.
AI providers: inputs you submit to AI features may be processed by third-party AI providers (such as Anthropic or OpenAI) solely to generate the output you requested.
Service providers: hosting, email delivery, and analytics vendors who process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations.
Legal and safety: when required by law, regulation, legal process, or to protect rights, property, or safety.
Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

4. WHOIS and Domain Registration Data

Registering a domain creates obligations under ICANN policy and registry rules. Registrant contact data is provided to the registrar and may be published in public directories. Where available, WHOIS privacy/proxy services can mask certain details. You are responsible for keeping registration contact data accurate, as required by ICANN.

5. Cookies and Local Storage

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect sign-in and some functionality. To remove app caches, clear site data for names.com or uninstall the installed app.

6. Data Retention

We retain information for as long as needed to provide the Services, comply with legal and registry obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Domain-related records may be retained for periods required by ICANN and registry rules.

7. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect information, including hashing of account passwords and encrypted transmission. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, and to withdraw consent. Canadian residents have rights under PIPEDA and, in Alberta, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Residents of the EEA/UK (GDPR) and California (CCPA/CPRA) may have additional rights. To exercise any right, contact us using the details below; we will respond as required by applicable law.

9. International Transfers

We operate globally and may process information in countries other than your own, including where our registrar, processors, and service providers operate. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards for such transfers.

10. Children's Privacy

The Services are intended for adults and are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Third-Party Links

The Services may link to third-party sites we do not control. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact Us

For privacy questions or requests, contact us at our contact page or by email at the address listed there. [Operator legal entity name and registered address to be added.]