The domain giant says India’s new anti-fraud measures could weaken online privacy, disrupt global domain registration, and create challenges for legitimate businesses.
GoDaddy is pushing back against a landmark Indian court ruling aimed at tackling fake websites that impersonate major brands. The company argues the new rules go too far and could expose legitimate website owners to privacy risks while changing how domain names are managed worldwide.
KEY DETAILS
The legal battle follows a December court order that blocked more than 1,100 fake websites linked to brands including Amazon, McDonald's, Microsoft, Xiaomi, and Colgate-Palmolive.
The ruling also introduced sweeping requirements for domain registrars. These include ending free privacy protection by default, sharing domain owner details within 72 hours with anyone claiming a "legitimate interest," and restricting domain names that resemble protected trademarks.
GoDaddy, which manages 80 million domains for more than 20 million customers and generated $5 billion in annual revenue, says the measures could expose website owners to stalking, harassment, and phishing. The company also argues that the rules may conflict with India's data protection law and the EU's GDPR, while forcing global changes to domain registration practices.
GoDaddy warns that the directives could become so difficult to implement that some domain providers may consider leaving the Indian market. Appeals from GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Hosting Concepts will be heard on July 16.
WHY IT MATTERS
For traders and investors, the dispute shows how cybersecurity and government regulation are becoming key risks for global technology businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The July 16 hearing could determine whether India keeps its aggressive approach to fighting online fraud or revises rules that domain companies believe could have worldwide consequences.
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Source: Reuters
Time: 11:15 AM EEST
