New Delhi | Updated: 28 December 2025 | Taking a firm stand against online fraud and fake websites, the Delhi High Court has ruled that e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) will now be mandatory for registering domain names.
The court also clarified that the option to hide personal details during domain registration will no longer be automatically available — it can only be taken as an additional paid service.
In simple terms, creating anonymous websites to cheat people will no longer remain easy.
The court further directed that the moment any domain is reported for misuse, it should be immediately locked, suspended or blocked.
Big brands flagged the misuse
The order came during hearings in multiple cases where major companies complained that scammers were cloning their names and logos to run fake websites.
Through these websites, victims were promised jobs, franchises and dealership opportunities — and were then asked to pay registration fees, deposits and service charges.
Companies that approached the court included:
- Tata Sky
- Amul
- Bajaj Finance
- Dabur
- Meesho
- Croma
- Colgate
- ITC
All of them stated clearly that they had no link with such portals.
“Domain names are digital identities — misuse is now a public risk”
Justice Pratibha M. Singh, while hearing the matter, observed that domain names represent the online identity of a business.
Their misuse, she said, is no longer just a commercial issue — it has become a serious risk to ordinary consumers. Without strong rules, cyber fraudsters continue to exploit loopholes.
Registrars must store full details within 72 hours
The High Court issued strict guidelines to domain registrars:
- Maintain complete details of domain owners
- Ensure the data is securely stored within 72 hours
- Provide information to trademark owners, police or investigating agencies when required
The court added that domain names found involved in fraud should be permanently disabled, so they cannot be re-issued.
e-KYC made compulsory for every domain
Under the new direction:
- e-KYC will be mandatory for every applicant
- Automatic privacy protection will not be allowed
- Users may opt for privacy only as an added service
The objective: make it harder for criminals to hide behind fake identities while running scam websites.
CPT view: “Tracing criminals will now get easier”
The Center for Police Technology (CPT) welcomed the decision, calling it a critical step against cyber fraud.
According to CPT experts:
“Until now, criminals could buy domains using fake names and false addresses. With mandatory e-KYC, their identities will link directly to the domain — making it far easier for agencies to trace them.”
CPT added that many organised groups run fake job portals, customer-care helplines, coupon and prize websites.
In such cases, domain data becomes the single most powerful clue — and this order will make that data more transparent and reliable.
Banks also asked to strengthen checks
The Delhi High Court also issued instructions to banks:
- Strengthen verification during online payments
- Ensure the beneficiary account name is verified before money is transferred
- Monitor suspicious transactions closely
The court said the purpose is not only to protect companies but to safeguard ordinary citizens.
A word of caution for people
Both the court and CPT urged citizens to remain alert:
- Do not transfer money just because an “offer” looks attractive
- Always verify through the official website
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal details
What to expect next
Experts believe the ruling will:
- Increase accountability among domain companies
- Ensure faster blocking of fraudulent websites
- Help police trace cyber criminals more effectively
If implemented strictly, the order could lead to a significant drop in online scams involving fake websites.
