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Verisign. The Value of Trust?

Trust? -- TRUST? -- Can we talk?

Note: This article was written when I had an account with Network Solutions. I no longer have an account with them. I purchase all my domain names through GoDaddy.com. As such, I do not know if this is the default setting in their member control panel today. It was at the time this article was written.

Network Solutions, the domain name registration company, has become a Verisign company. Verisign is a well-known provider of Secure (SSL) Certificates.

Verisign's motto is "The Value of Trust." A good concept, indeed. Pity saying something does not always make it so.

Imagine my surprise to realize that I had "given" Verisign permission to sell my name, phone number and email address to "third parties."

But, wait. Let me show you before I rant!

I'd registered a domain name with Network Solutions several years ago. When Verisign acquired Network Solutions, a few changes appeared in member's accounts. Have a look...

The default setting on this option (below) is "Yes"



Trust? TRUST? Can we talk?

Most people that bought a domain name a year (or more) ago or more don't bother to check their "account manager" at Network Solutions on a regular basis. So - adding an option to sell their contact information and making the default "yes" hardly goes hand in hand with trust.

But wait. Let's say some innocent "third party" bought or rented my contact information from Verisign and sent me email ads.

Of course, since I didn't know that I had given my "permission", I would think that company is sending me spam. I might even file a spam complaint. Is it their fault? Or Verisign's?

What has happened to ethics?

Isn't getting permission supposed to involve actually asking?
But no... wait. If one doesn't ask, one can't be told no.
If the answer isn't no, it must - by default - be yes. Right?

In a pig's ear. I, for one, intend to distribute this article far and wide.

I also do not intend to register or renew any domains through Network Solutions/Verisign.

If you own a domain name that was registered through Network Solutions, I suggest that at the very least - log in and change that option to no.

I'm now getting all my domains at GoDaddy.com. They don't sell my contact information, and domain names are a measly $8.95. Other domain registrars could learn a thing or two about trust from GoDaddy's Bob Parsons.

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Feel welcome to reprint my articles as is. Please don't change them. All I ask in return is a credit link to my site. Thanks.