Who typically provides WHOIS services?

WHOIS services are typically provided by domain registrars, domain registries, and third-party WHOIS lookup services. Here's an overview of each:

1. **Domain Registrars**: Domain registrars are accredited companies authorized to register and manage domain names on behalf of domain registrants. Most domain registrars offer WHOIS lookup tools on their websites, allowing users to query WHOIS databases and retrieve information about domain names. Registrars also maintain WHOIS databases for the domains they manage and provide access to WHOIS data through their registrar WHOIS portals or APIs.

2. **Domain Registries**: Domain registries are organizations responsible for managing and maintaining the databases of specific top-level domains (TLDs). Registries operate WHOIS servers that store and provide access to WHOIS information for domains registered under their TLDs. Registrars query registry WHOIS servers to obtain WHOIS data for domains they manage. Registry WHOIS services are often accessed through specialized WHOIS protocols or APIs.

3. **Third-Party WHOIS Lookup Services**: In addition to registrar and registry WHOIS services, there are many third-party WHOIS lookup services available on the internet. These services aggregate WHOIS data from multiple sources, including domain registrars and registries, and provide user-friendly interfaces for querying and retrieving WHOIS information. Third-party WHOIS lookup services may offer additional features such as historical WHOIS records, domain monitoring, and bulk WHOIS lookup capabilities.

Each provider may offer slightly different features, data accuracy, and accessibility options for WHOIS services. Additionally, access to WHOIS information may be subject to certain limitations, such as rate limits, privacy protection measures, and regional regulations. When using WHOIS services, it's essential to verify the reliability and accuracy of the information obtained and to comply with applicable terms of service and privacy policies.