Whois conditions of use

Who do we mean by 'you'?

Anyone who looks up information in the Whois.

• By doing that, you agree to the conditions in this document.

Who do we mean by 'we'?

SIDN BV.

What are you allowed to do with the information you get from the Whois?

Use it to sort out technical problems that affect how the internet works. Use it to trace the registrant of a .nl domain name you would like to acquire. Use it to protect intellectual property rights. Use it to stop illegal and harmful content being put on the internet, or to get it taken down.

If you want to use the information for anything else, you need to ask us first.

• You aren't allowed to use the information for anything else until we've given you written permission.

  • That includes copying the information in any way at all (e.g. by screen grabbing) and storing the information in a database.

What counts as abuse of the Whois?

Using it in any way that we haven't said is allowed above.

• For example, if you use Whois information for marketing, that's abuse.

• Even if you get someone else to do it for you.

• Or if you simply enable someone else to do it.

Using the Whois in a way that doesn't comply with Dutch privacy law.

Using an automated system to look up information in the Whois.

• Even if you get someone else to do it for you.

• Or if you simply enable someone else to do it.

When do we restrict use of the Whois?

We'll restrict everybody's use if that's necessary for the stability of our systems.

We'll restrict your use if you don't respect these conditions.

• In that case, we're allowed to block your access to the Whois.

Are we responsible for the information in the Whois?

No, we can't vouch for the information you get from the Whois.

Are we allowed to change these conditions?

Yes, we can do that at any time.