What is the difference between a domain and a website?¶
The domain is the internet name used to reach a service. The website is the content and functionality presented through that address. They are related, but they are not the same evidential object.
Different roles, different records¶
The domain may be registered through one company while the website is hosted by another. Content may be created by a third party, managed by an agency and delivered through additional providers.
The relationship can also change:
- a website can move between hosts while retaining the same domain;
- a domain can redirect to a different service;
- several domains can lead to one website; and
- one domain can support multiple services or websites.
Identify the correct evidence holder¶
Different organisations may hold different records:
- Registrar: registration account, payment and access history.
- DNS provider: configuration and nameserver records.
- Host or cloud provider: infrastructure and customer-account records.
- Website platform: publishing, user and login records.
- Payment, advertising or analytics provider: records connected to transactions or campaigns.
A request framed only around “the website owner” may therefore miss the relevant evidence.
Keep attribution separate¶
A registrant may have paid for the domain but delegated management. A developer may administer the site without operating the business. A legitimate site may have been compromised.
Record separately:
- what was observed at the URL;
- what registration records show about the domain; and
- what provider records show about hosting, publishing and account use.
Key takeaway
The domain is the name; the website is the content and service reached through it. Investigate the link between them rather than assuming they are owned or controlled by the same person.