Tucows operates a Tiered Access (TACO) platform that allows authorized requestors to access domain registration data that is otherwise redacted from public WHOIS. Whenever your domain's data is disclosed through TACO, you receive an automated notice. This article explains what TACO disclosure notices are, what to do with them, and how Exact Hosting Support can help.
About the TACO platform
Tucows offers a Tiered Access (TACO) platform where domain data that was previously publicly available via WHOIS can be disclosed to authorized requestors in a secure, controlled manner. Requests are filtered by the Tucows Compliance team, which ensures that only requestors with a legitimate purpose — including law enforcement, intellectual property, and commercial litigation interests — receive access to registrant information.
Note: Exact Hosting is a Tucows brand. TACO is operated by Tucows Compliance on behalf of the Tucows registrar family, which includes Exact Hosting.
How TACO disclosure notices work
Before a requestor can look up any domain in TACO, they must be authorized within the platform. Once they are authorized and complete a lookup against your domain, an automated notice is sent by email to the registrant for that domain.
The notice tells you that your domain data has been disclosed and, in most cases, includes the requestor's contact information.
Common questions about TACO notices
Why did I receive a TACO disclosure notice?
You received the notice because an authorized TACO requestor performed a lookup on a domain registered in your name. The disclosure happened through the TACO platform, not through public WHOIS.
Why was the requestor allowed to see my data?
The Tucows Compliance team authorizes only requestors who establish a legitimate purpose — for example, law enforcement investigations, intellectual property enforcement, or commercial litigation. Requestors must agree to the TACO terms of use before they can perform any lookups.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the request?
Contact the requestor directly using the contact information included in your TACO disclosure notice. Exact Hosting Support does not have visibility into the specifics of any individual TACO request.
Note: In some cases the requestor's contact information will not be included — for example, when there is a legal reason it cannot be disclosed.
Can Exact Hosting Support tell me why my data was looked up?
No. The Exact Hosting Support team does not have access to the underlying TACO request details. Any inquiries about the purpose of the lookup must go to the requestor.
I'm an Exact Hosting reseller — who do I contact about TACO operations?
Resellers with questions about how the Tucows Compliance team operates the TACO platform can contact the TACO team at tieredaccess@tucows.com.
Next steps
- Review the disclosure notice carefully. Confirm the domain listed is yours and note the requestor's contact information.
- Contact the requestor if you want to know more about the specific reason for the lookup.
- Learn more about WHOIS redaction by reviewing the related Domain Policies articles.
Questions? Contact Exact Hosting Support.
How helpful was this article?
Thanks for your feedback!
Do you still need help? If so please submit a request here.