Domain front running is a shady practice where a domain name is registered shortly after someone searches for it, with the intent of either selling it at a higher price. This can be frustrating and costly for those looking to secure their desired domain name.
How Domain Front Running Works
Imagine you’re looking to register a domain name. You search for its availability through a domain registrar but decide to hold off on purchasing it. To your dismay, the domain is registered moments later, often by the same registrar you used, and usually at a much higher price. This practice is a form of domain front running.
While this isn’t a common occurrence, it does happen. It’s often linked to registries offering an “Added Grace Period (AGP).” This period allows registrants to cancel their domain within five days for a full refund. Although intended to correct accidental registrations, it has led to abuses like domain tasting, where domains are registered in bulk and then canceled to analyze advertising traffic or for speculative front running.
Notorious Cases of Domain Front Running
A notable example of domain front running involved Network Solutions in 2008. The company was caught registering ‘.com’ domains searched through its site, ironically justifying it as a measure to protect customers from front running. This controversy was detailed by Domain Name Wire in their article, “Network Solutions Faces PR Nightmare Over Domain Front Running.”
GoDaddy has also been criticized for potential front running practices. Although they deny such allegations, there are numerous reports suggesting a conflict of interest, especially with their domain brokerage services. During my own testing, I found instances where GoDaddy listed domains as available even when they were already registered which could lead to confusion, however no actual front running however there are many reported cases of it happening.
How to Avoid Domain Front Running
To protect yourself from domain front running, follow these tips:
- Use Reputable Registrars: Opt for trustworthy registrars like Porkbun and for Australian Domains VentraIP.
- Avoid Public Searches: Don’t search for your domain on social media or search engines.
- Be Cautious with Free Tools: Free domain suggestion tools may not always be reliable.
- Avoid Multiple Searches: Searching the same domain across multiple registrars or for similar domains with the same TLD (top-level domain) can be risky.
- Secure Your Computer: Scan for malware, check browser extensions, and consider using private/incognito mode for searches.
What’s Being Done to Address This Issue?
In response to widespread domain tasting, ICANN introduced the AGP Limits Policy in 2008. This policy removed the provision allowing registrars to receive excessive AGP refunds, resulting in a significant reduction in AGP deletes—down by 99.7% from June 2008 to April 2009, according to ICANN’s ’25 April 2008 GNSO Council Report to the Board.’
June 2008 to April 2009 (Credit: ICANN)
What to Do If Your Domain Has Been Front-Run
If you discover that your ideal domain has been front-run:
- Avoid Visiting the Site: Don’t click on or visit the domain as it may alert the owner of your interest.
- Check Whois Information: Use the official registry like ICANN to find out the registrar, registration date, and expiry date.
- Wait and Monitor: Sometimes, domains become available again after a few days.
- Expose the Registrar: Consider calling out the registrar on social media if you suspect foul play.
Has your domain ever been front-run? Share your experiences in the comments below!