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Registry

The operator that runs a TLD's authoritative database and zone file, contracted by ICANN for gTLDs or designated by a government for ccTLDs.

A registry is the organisation that operates a TLD: it runs the authoritative nameservers, maintains the master database of every registered domain in the TLD, and publishes the zone file. Verisign runs .com and .net. Identity Digital runs .info and over 250 other gTLDs. Each ccTLD is operated by its country's designated registry (Nominet for .uk, AFNIC for .fr). End users do not interact with the registry directly; they go through a registrar, which in turn talks to the registry via EPP. Registry policy determines registration rules, premium pricing, and dispute procedures for the TLD.

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