Privacy Policy — Names.com

This Privacy Policy explains how Names.com ("Names.com", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you visit our website, create an account, submit an inquiry, or use our tools and services (collectively, the "Services"). By using the Services, you agree to the practices described here.

Names.com is not a domain registrar and does not register domains. We therefore do not collect, hold, or transmit registrant contact data, and nothing you give us is published in WHOIS. If you choose to register a name at Dynadot through one of our referral links, that registration — and the personal data it requires — is handled by Dynadot under their own privacy policy, not ours.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide

Account information: your name, email address, and a password (stored only in hashed form).
Inquiries and leads: when you submit a lease, purchase, brokerage, acquisition, or contact request, we collect your name, email, phone number (if provided), the domain or topic of interest, and any message you send.
Payment information: payments are processed by third-party payment providers. We do not collect or store full card numbers on our servers; we may retain limited transaction records (such as an order reference and amount).
AI tool inputs: descriptions of your business, idea, or branding that you enter into our naming concierge or other AI features.

Information collected automatically

Usage and device data: IP address, browser type, pages viewed, referring pages, and timestamps.
Cookies and local storage: we use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and operate the site. Our installable app (PWA) uses a service worker and local caches to improve performance; this data stays on your device.

2. How We Use Information

To provide, operate, and improve the Services.
To respond to inquiries and connect you with our leasing, brokerage, and acquisition services.
To process leases, listings, advertising placements, and related transactions.
To send transactional and service communications (for example, confirmations and replies to inquiries).
To generate name recommendations and other AI-assisted outputs you request.
To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues.
To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

3. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as needed to provide the Services:

Registrars: we share no registration data with any registrar, because we do not register domains. Following one of our Dynadot referral links takes you to Dynadot's own site, where any information you enter is collected by Dynadot under their privacy policy. The link may tell Dynadot the referral came from us; it carries no personal information about you.
Payment processors: to complete purchases and prevent fraud.
AI providers: inputs you submit to AI features may be processed by third-party AI providers (such as Anthropic or OpenAI) solely to generate the output you requested.
Service providers: hosting, email delivery, and analytics vendors who process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations.
Legal and safety: when required by law, regulation, legal process, or to protect rights, property, or safety.
Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

4. WHOIS and Registration Data

We hold no WHOIS or registrant data. Because we are not a registrar, nothing you provide to Names.com is published in the public WHOIS/RDAP directory. If you register a name at Dynadot, ICANN rules require them to collect accurate registrant contact data and some of it may appear publicly unless you use their privacy service. Those obligations run between you and Dynadot.

5. Cookies and Local Storage

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect sign-in and some functionality. To remove app caches, clear site data for names.com or uninstall the installed app.

6. Data Retention

We retain information for as long as needed to provide the Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Lease, listing, and payment records are retained for the periods required by tax and accounting rules.

7. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect information, including hashing of account passwords and encrypted transmission. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, and to withdraw consent. Canadian residents have rights under PIPEDA and, in Alberta, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Residents of the EEA/UK (GDPR) and California (CCPA/CPRA) may have additional rights. To exercise any right, contact us using the details below; we will respond as required by applicable law.

9. International Transfers

We operate globally and may process information in countries other than your own, including where our processors and service providers operate. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards for such transfers.

10. Children's Privacy

The Services are intended for adults and are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Third-Party Links

The Services may link to third-party sites we do not control. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact Us

For privacy questions or requests, contact us at our contact page or by email at the address listed there. [Operator legal entity name and registered address to be added.]