What term is used to describe companies that handle the registration of domain names under ICANN?

The term that refers to companies responsible for handling the registration of domain names under the guidelines set by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is "accredited domain name registrars." These registrars have received accreditation from ICANN, which allows them to sell domain names directly to the public. They provide services such as domain name registration, renewal, and management, and they act as intermediaries between individuals or organizations wishing to obtain a domain name and the registry that manages the specific top-level domain (like .com, .org, etc.).

Understanding the context is crucial, as there are other important terms associated with domain name registration. Registry operators manage the database of domain names for specific top-level domains but do not sell domains directly to consumers. Independent domain name registries may operate outside the ICANN framework or be less commonly recognized, and a network information center typically refers to broader network infrastructure and management rather than the specific process of domain registration. Therefore, the role of accredited domain name registrars is uniquely positioned in the domain registration ecosystem, ensuring that they comply with ICANN policies while facilitating domain name availability for users.