A domain name registry maintains and operates the master database for a given top-level domain (TLD), such as .org, .орг, .机构, and .संगठन. The registry ensures that each domain name registered with the associated domain extension is unique so that registrants can use them for their individual chosen purposes without interference or competition. The registry also generates a “zone file”, which allows computers to route Internet traffic to and from .org, .орг, .机构, and .संगठन domain names around the world. Public Interest Registry is the registry for the .org, .орг, .机构, and .संगठन TLDs.

Following the Internet compliance rules outlined by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), registries such as Public Interest Registry do not accept domain name registrations directly from the public. Instead, registrars, the “retailers” that essentially register domain names on behalf of registrants, will submit the registration requests to the registries. Registrants are people or organizations that would like to register and use a domain name.