In a sweeping new policy shift, ICANN has announced that as of August 21, 2025, your embarrassing WHOIS listings may finally die the quiet death they deserve. For decades, internet users who once filled out the “Organization” field with fake names like “ButtStuff LLC” just to get past the form will be relieved to know: that field is now optional.
DreamHost broke the “good news” in an email that began with the words every adult human dreads: “You are receiving this required email…” — the digital equivalent of your doctor saying, “You may feel a little pressure.”
Key Highlights
- Admin, Tech, and Billing contacts abolished: Congratulations, your fake alter egos “Tech Guy,” “Admin Guy,” and “Billing Guy” have all been laid off. They’ll be remembered in the unemployment line of the internet.
- ICANN redacts your data by default: Which means stalkers, marketers, and your mom’s bridge partner can no longer look up your home address just to ask why you still own angryferretfanfiction.org.
- Choose your destiny: If your “Organization” field says “Your Mom,” congratulations — your mom now legally owns the domain.
What You Need to Do
Absolutely nothing, which is why you will 100% ignore this email, forward it to yourself by accident, and then panic six months later when you discover your professional portfolio site is now registered under “PenisPumpGlobal Inc.”
Closing Thoughts
ICANN insists you can still make your private contact info public again, in case you miss the thrill of getting cold-called by SEO scammers in Karachi. Just submit a ticket! Because nothing says “secure internet” like filing paperwork to become a voluntary victim.
In short, the internet is now 75% more private — and 100% more likely that your domain will legally belong to your dog if you ever filled out “Mr. Fluffers” in the Organization line.