GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a publicly-traded internet domain registrar and web hosting company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. Founded in 1997 by Bob Parsons, the company has become one of the largest and most well-known domain registrars globally. While GoDaddy has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and marketing efforts, it has also faced controversies and criticism related to various aspects of its services and business practices.

Services and Offerings

GoDaddy offers a range of services to individuals and businesses, including domain registration, website hosting, website building tools, email services, and online marketing solutions. It is known for its emphasis on user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.

Controversies

Overpriced Domains

One common criticism of GoDaddy is its pricing for domain registration and renewal. Some customers have reported that the company's domains are priced higher than those of many other registrars. This pricing strategy has led to accusations of overcharging for domain names.

Slow to Take Action on Abuse Reports

GoDaddy has faced criticism for its perceived slow response to abuse reports. This includes reports of domains being used for phishing, spam, or other malicious activities. Critics argue that delays in addressing such issues can contribute to the spread of online scams and cybercrime.

Elephant Hunting Controversy

In 2011, a video showing then-CEO Bob Parsons shooting an elephant in Zimbabwe during a hunting trip sparked outrage and controversy. The incident led to backlash from animal rights activists and customers, with some advocating for boycotting GoDaddy's services.

Impact and Reception

Despite controversies, GoDaddy remains a widely used domain registrar and hosting provider. Its easy-to-use platform and marketing efforts have attracted a significant customer base. However, the company's controversies have also resulted in some customers seeking alternatives for their domain and hosting needs.

Responses and Changes

GoDaddy has taken steps to address some of the criticism it has faced:

• The company has implemented measures to improve its abuse-reporting process and response times.
• In response to the elephant hunting controversy, GoDaddy distanced itself from Bob Parsons' personal activities and stated that it would focus on its core business offerings.