The dilemma between leaving one's domain name exposed with all the identifying information or getting it privately registered is causing considerable worry, as many feel that private registration of domain names will have a negative impact on their search engine rankings. Google, however, negates this assumption, affirming that it won't. It typically doesn't impact rankings, so you need not worry if you are already implementing it. However, if you're a business, why would you hide your identifying information? What does that say about your company?



What happens if your web site gets hacked and there's no obvious or working contact form on your site? It'll be hard to get reached by Google or someone else who stumbles upon your site in that case. Thus, while it's a hassle at times to have to worry about your identifying information, losing your rankings altogether due to intrusions can be a lot more costly to your business.

It is suggested that you list valid contact information in your domain. This is actually required by the ICANN, not by Google".

The best way to secure yourself from the risk of losing your domain name entirely would essentially be by updating your domain name with all the recent and valid information.