GoDaddy “Reputable Search” Tab Addresses Front Running

Since domain names first became commercially available to register, people have accused domain registrars of front running. In short, front running is when a registrar is suspected of using customer search data to preemptively register domain names that someone else searched for, with the intent of reselling them at a higher price. This undermines trust in the registration process.

As the world’s largest registrar, GoDaddy has faced many accusations of front running. The company has repeatedly and emphatically denied that it does this. I’ve published official statements from GoDaddy regarding front running at least three times.

GoDaddy is once again attempting to convince customers it won’t use their search data to register and resell those domain names at a higher price. Within the past day or so, the company added a “Reputable Search” icon on the left sidebar. I spotted it when looking at a GoDaddy Auctions listing this morning.

When hovering over the icon, a message appears to try and allay concerns about frontrunning:

“Godaddy does not abuse your trust in order to attempt to register domain names for ourselves or any of our partners. The following is a list of suggestions that may be available.”

I am not sure why this icon and messaging is shown on a GoDaddy Auction page, but I presume it is now shown throughout the website. In fact, when I did a registration search, the icon and message is shown there, too. I would guess it is being shown on every page where someone might search for and purchase a domain name on GoDaddy’s website.

I do not think GoDaddy uses search data to register those domain names in an attempt to sell them to customers at a higher price. In short, if I search for FrontRunningReallySucks.com at GoDaddy and it is available to register, I do not believe GoDaddy or a related entity will register the domain name and list it for sale at a higher price.