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Frequently asked questions

  • I am looking for a domain name registrant. Where can I look it up?

    The Whois is an easy-to-use tool for checking the availability of a .nl domain name. If the domain name is already taken, you can see who has registered it.

    On the page looking up a domain name you will find more information about what a domain name is, how the Whois works and how the privacy of personal data is protected. Alternatively, you can go straight to look for a domain name via the Whois.

  • I would like to transfer my domain name to another registrar. What is the procedure?

    To get your domain name transferred, you need the token (unique ID number) for your domain name. Your existing registrar has the token and is obliged to give it to you within five days, if you ask for it. The procedure for changing your registrar is described on the page transferring your domain name.

  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date. How can I get them updated?

    To update the contact details associated with your domain name, you need to contact your registrar. Read more about updating contact details.

  • Why is my domain name in quarantine?

    When a domain name is cancelled, we aren't told the reason, so we can't tell you. You'll need to ask your registrar. The advantage of quarantine is that, if a name's cancelled by mistake, you can always get it back.

    One common reason is that the contract between you and your registrar says you've got to renew the registration every year. If you haven't set up automatic renewal and you don't renew manually, the registration will expire.

  • Ik heb een klacht over mijn provider/registrar. Kan ik daarvoor bij SIDN terecht?

    Wanneer je een klacht hebt over of een geschil met je registrar dan zijn er verschillende mogelijkheden om tot een oplossing te komen. Hierover lees je meer op pagina klacht over registrar. SIDN heeft geen formele klachtenprocedure voor het behandelen van een klacht over jouw registrar.

  • What conditions do I have to meet as a registrar?

    Would you like to be able to register domain names for customers or for your own organisation by dealing directly with SIDN? If so, you can become a .nl registrar. Read more about the conditions and how to apply for registrar status on the page becoming a registrar.

More frequently asked questions

AI tools often used instead of search engines and websites, despite privacy concerns

"AI can replace any site."

AI concept

In the internet world, AI is a one of the dominant trends of recent years. Last month, we reported on the correlation between AI and website visits. But what do internet users think about AI? Over the last few weeks, we've been seeking the views of SIDN Panel members, with 139 of the 550 members responding. The survey findings provide an interesting window on how people see AI, and how it's influencing their internet use. The standout conclusion is that AI tools are often used instead of websites and search engines.

77% of respondents use AI at least once a month

AI tools are used by a broad group of SIDN Panel members. Of the 139 respondents, 77 per cent report using the tools at least once a month. Usage is higher amongst young people up to the age of 34 (87 per cent) and lower in the over-55s (68 per cent). Business use is popular: 69 per cent say they use AI for work. It should be noted, however, that there is a higher proportion of IT professionals on the SIDN Panel than in the general population. That's reflected in the high number of respondents who use AI for programming or coding, for example.

AI tools often used instead of Google and websites

Our survey also focused on how AI is influencing website use in general and search engine use in particular. On those points, the feedback was mixed. Half the respondents use AI instead of search engines, and half don't. Elsewhere, respondents were asked whether there were certain sites that they visit less since they started using ChatGPT, and to give examples. In reply, 20 per cent mentioned visiting Google less.

"AI can replace any site. If I want information about SIDN's policy/procedures/activities, I don't need to visit sidn.nl."

AI tools: important, not indispensable

In the year ahead, 73 per cent of respondents expect to make more use of AI tools. When asked why, they mainly cite speed and efficiency. They see AI tools as a good way to find information quickly, get answers without doing long-winded searchers, and generate draft texts or code. Particularly in the world of work, AI tools are a valuable supplement to existing methods. 70 per cent of our respondents say that AI is important to their professional activities. However, very few – just 7 per cent – see AI tools as essential.

Fast and comprehensive

Users like AI tools mainly because they're fast (81 per cent) and deliver comprehensive information (70 per cent). Far fewer respondents see the tools as good sources of up-to-date and reliable information (40 and 43 per cent, respectively).

"A good prompt gives me an immediate response that I can use straight away. I don't have to open the various pages suggested by a search engine, read them and put together what I've learnt to make something usable."

Concerns about privacy and people

Our respondents' feedback wasn't exclusively positive about AI. For example, 32 per cent have misgivings about their privacy. The retention and processing of personal data and the influence of Big Tech corporations are particular areas of concern. Other issues flagged up by respondents are the spread of disinformation, AI hallucinations and the simplification or falsification of information.

Some of our panellists also worry about how using AI will affect people's ability to perform everyday tasks. The impacts on creativity and employment were mentioned, as were ethical questions about copyrights and transparency. Some respondents warned about excessive dependency and the loss of critical thinking ability.

"You mustn't simply assume that the answers you get are true. As I see it, subject knowledge and critical analysis are still important for deciding whether an answer is correct."

About the SIDN Panel

This article describes the results of a survey of SIDN Panel members. As the organisation behind the .nl domain, we like to hear what internet users, domain name registrants and entrepreneurs think about the internet and its use, and about topics such as security, privacy and domain names. Would you be interested in sharing your views with us, maybe anonymously? If so, we'd love you to join the SIDN Panel.

Article by:

Michiel Henneke

Michiel Henneke

Marketing Manager

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