Will Fax Numbers Finally die? In Whois at least! (1.Viewing)

GoDaddy will delete all fax numbers, other contact data from WHOIS database​

Domain Registries require a set of validated data from domain registrants; that data is collected by Registrars to form a domain’s information, displayed in the WHOIS and Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS.)

More registries will be requiring less data these days, what with privacy concerns and a set of rules such as the GDPR.

GoDaddy announced that from August 21, 2025 they will be dropping a set of domain data from its public WHOIS database and will no longer be collecting or displaying it.

Read more: GoDaddy will delete all fax numbers, other contact data from WHOIS database – DomainGang

The death of the dreaded fax machine can't come soon enough for me. My doctors office won't email me and says I have to have a fax. I asked them if they are running a temperature and who the heck still uses fax? I finally gave mine up about 5 years ago.

The only thing I hate more is voicemail, just text me already, don't make me dial into some antiquated voicemail system.

Press7 to delete the message above

Die they must

As I noted on X/Twitter, removing the option to include a FAX number and a separate technical contact in the WHOIS/RDAP will harm registrants.

When a UDRP or URS dispute is initiated, the providers will send notices of the domain dispute to the FAX number that's on file (in addition to email and postal mail), and also to other contacts (like the technical contact). Registrants who want to maximize the chances of getting actual notice of the dispute will want to have redundant contact methods (including FAX, and separate email accounts for a technical contact). Registrars not even allowing registrants the option of submitting these extra contact methods thus directly harm their own customers. The cost of collecting that data is essentially ZERO! (they're certainly not lowering fees when they reduce their data collection).

Concerned registrants should give feedback to their registrars, in order to restore the option to include those extra contact methods.

GeorgeK said:

providers will send notices of the domain dispute to the FAX number that's on file (in addition to email and postal mail)

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How many registrants actually use a fax machine though? I'd guess most that are use eFax, so it's going to their email either way.

mcm said:

How many registrants actually use a fax machine though? I'd guess most that are use eFax, so it's going to their email either way.

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Email is the fastest and easiest contact, make sure your email is up to date and fax is not necessary. I don't know anyone other than in the medical or legal fields that still uses fax.