How long is WHOIS information retained?

The retention period for WHOIS information, which includes details about domain name registrants, registrars, and domain name servers, can vary depending on the policies of the domain registrar, registry, and applicable privacy laws or regulations.

In general, WHOIS information is typically retained for as long as the domain name registration remains active. This means that as long as the domain name is registered and in use, the WHOIS information associated with it will be retained in the WHOIS database.

However, it's important to note that some domain registrars and registries may have their own policies regarding the retention and publication of WHOIS information. For example, some registrars may offer privacy protection services that mask or anonymize WHOIS information, while others may have data retention policies that specify how long WHOIS information is stored and accessible to the public.

Additionally, privacy laws and regulations, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), may impose restrictions on the collection, storage, and processing of personal data, including WHOIS information. These laws may require registrars and registries to comply with specific data retention periods and privacy protections when handling WHOIS information.

In summary, the retention period for WHOIS information can vary based on the policies of the domain registrar, registry, and relevant privacy laws. As long as a domain name is active and registered, its WHOIS information will typically be retained in the WHOIS database, but specific retention periods and privacy protections may vary.