A domain registrar does far more than sell you a name. It registers that name with the registry behind each extension, checks your contact details, handles renewals and transfers, and fights abuse on the domains it manages.
Most of that work stays invisible when you buy a domain. You find a name, compare prices, maybe check our best domain registrar suggestions, and check out.
I spoke to Arno Vis, CEO of Openprovider, to find out a little more. Openprovider not only provides domains to end-users but also some of the best web hosting companies. So, who better to learn a thing or two from?
What does a domain registrar do?
Before we get into the interview, let's summarize exactly what tasks and responsibilities a registrar handles for every domain it sells:
- Registration: It submits your domain to the registry that runs the extension, such as Verisign for .com.
- Contact checks: It collects and verifies your details. For generic domains, an unverified registration must be suspended after 15 days.
- Lookups and privacy: It publishes registration data through public lookup services while hiding most personal information.
- Renewals and transfers: It bills renewals, issues authorization codes and processes moves to other registrars.
- DNS settings: It lets you choose the name servers that point your domain at a website or email service.
- Abuse handling: ICANN-accredited registrars must run an abuse contact and act on reports of phishing or malware.
At the registrar level, can you tell me about what challenges there are in managing domain names?
Managing over 2,300 domain extensions comes with daily challenges, mainly due to ever-changing registry requirements and evolving government regulations. Each top-level domain (TLD) is controlled by a registry, and these registries frequently update their registration policies, pricing structures, and technical requirements.
For example, the .AI domain (Anguilla) has seen a surge in demand due to the AI boom, leading to policy, backend, and pricing changes that required us to quickly adapt. Similarly, governments worldwide impose different rules on domain registrations — often related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and business compliance — so we work hard to stay compliant across multiple jurisdictions, even when regulations change unexpectedly.
Editor’s note (November 2026): That surge has continued. The .ai extension passed one million registrations in January 2026. The registry also raised its wholesale price by about 14% in March.
Security is another key focus for us, staying proactive with strong measures against fraudulent registrations, phishing, and domain hijacking. When we detect malicious activity, we act fast, leveraging our custom-built abuse reporting mechanisms like abusemanager.ai to shut it down before it escalates. At the same time, we ensure that customer data is collected and handled securely, always staying compliant with global regulations. And when it comes to fighting internet crime, we don’t do it alone — we work closely with law enforcement agencies to help keep the online space safe for everyone.
What do you think will happen with .io domains?
Historically, when a country ceases to exist, its country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) is revoked. That’s exactly what happened with .YU, which was phased out after Yugoslavia dissolved. This month ICANN also announced the retirement of .SU and if that precedent holds, .IO could eventually face the same fate, though there’s usually a grace period of a few years.
That said, the internet is constantly evolving, and past rules don’t always dictate the future. There’s a possibility that a ccTLD like .IO could transition into a generic top-level domain (gTLD) instead of being retired. Ultimately, this is up to ICANN, and we hope they make a decision that considers everyone — especially the small businesses and startups that depend on .IO domains.
Editor’s note (November 2026): The UK and Mauritius signed the Chagos treaty in May 2025, but the handover stalled in 2026 without US backing, so .io carries on for now. The .su retirement hasn’t happened either. ICANN’s CEO said in March 2025 that there was no timeline for formal notice, and its ccTLD policy body later suggested .su may fall outside the retirement rules.
How do you see the domain industry evolving in the coming years?
We’re on the cusp of some big shifts in the domain industry. Domain prices will keep rising, driven by inflation, growing demand, and registry pricing strategies—especially for premium and short domains. At the same time, Web3 domains are becoming more relevant, and while they currently operate separately from traditional domains, we see a future where Web2 and Web3 domains work seamlessly together. AI is also set to transform how we manage domains, from smarter automation to better search and stronger security.
Looking ahead, I believe domains will remain central to digital identity. It won’t just be about having a website — it will be about owning your presence across multiple platforms, from businesses to decentralized services. And that’s exactly why we’re investing heavily in AI — more than the average company and certainly more than the average registrar. We see new business models emerging, and new opportunities to explore, and we’re ready to lead that change.
With the explosion of AI, this is an incredibly exciting time for us. Innovation and evolution are for everyone, and we believe we can make a real difference in shaping what’s next. We can’t wait to see where the next 5-10 years take us!
What advice do you have for registrants buying domain names?
Price matters, so don’t just go with the first option — shop around for the best deal (you won’t have to if you’re an Openprovider Member). If you're planning to keep the domain long-term, pay close attention to renewal costs, not just the initial price. Some registrars offer low first-year prices but hike up renewal fees later (we don’t!).
Also, consider bundles — if you need email or security features, look for packages that give you the most value for your money. A little research upfront can save you a lot in the long run.
