No, the concepts of thick and thin registries are no longer relevant in the current domain registration process. Previously, these terms were used to describe the level of information stored by the registry in the WHOIS database.
- Thick Registry: In a thick registry model, the registry maintains a comprehensive set of domain registration data within its own database. This includes all the contact information of the domain owner, administrative contact, technical contact, and other details associated with the domain. Registrars only store a minimal set of data and rely on the registry for most of the information.
- Thin Registry: In a thin registry model, the registry only maintains limited information in its database, typically consisting of the domain name, nameservers, and registrar information. The bulk of the contact information and other domain details are stored by the individual registrars. When a WHOIS query is performed, the registry responds with the minimal information it holds, and then the registrar’s WHOIS server is queried for the remaining details.
However, with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy regulations, the concept of thick and thin registries has become less relevant. WHOIS databases are now subject to privacy restrictions, and the level of publicly available information has been significantly reduced. Registrars and registries have adapted their practices to comply with these regulations, resulting in a more unified approach to domain registration data storage and retrieval.
Get domain name of your choice here.Today, both thick and thin registry models have been largely replaced by a standardized approach where domain registration data is managed based on privacy regulations and access controls. The WHOIS databases provide limited information to protect the privacy of domain owners, and registrars handle most of the domain management and contact information storage.