What Happens to Your Domain If a Registry Fails? EBERO Explained
If the operator of a new gTLD fails to sustain a critical registry function, ICANN can activate an Emergency Back-End Registry Operator (EBERO) to keep the extension running. The EBERO takes over five critical functions, including DNS resolution and the registration system, using the registry's data. Registrants keep their domains while ICANN arranges a longer-term transition.
What Is an EBERO?
A registry runs an extension, such as .shop or .app, and keeps the master database of its names. A registrar like NameSilo is where you buy and manage your domain. They are separate companies with separate obligations.
ICANN built the EBERO into the new gTLD program to protect registrants. A temporary EBERO provider is activated when an operator is at risk of failing any critical function. ICANN declares the event and coordinates the response. An EBERO cannot offer extra services the old operator provided, such as web hosting.
The Five Critical Functions
Function | What it means for you |
DNS resolution | Your domain keeps answering when people visit it |
Shared Registration System | Registrars can continue permitted maintenance of existing registrations, including certain contact, nameserver and DNSSEC updates |
Registration data directory services | Ownership lookups, such as WHOIS, stay available |
Registry data escrow deposits | Fresh copies of the registry's data keep being deposited |
DNSSEC signing | The zone stays properly signed, so signed domains still validate |
Who the EBEROs Are
ICANN’s current EBERO providers are CIRA, CNNIC and Nominet. The program has also been used in practice. .wed entered EBERO in December 2017 after its registry operator experienced a Registration Data Directory Services failure, while .desi entered in October 2023 after its operator requested termination of the registry agreement. Both extensions remain listed by IANA in caretaker operations, illustrating that although ICANN aims to resolve EBERO events preferably within 12 months, an emergency operator can remain in place for as long as necessary.
ICANN aims to resolve an event preferably within 12 months, but an EBERO can continue as long as necessary.
Two Layers of Escrow
Registries deposit extension data so a replacement can rebuild it. Separately, NameSilo is an ICANN-accredited registrar (IANA ID 1479). Under the Registrar Accreditation Agreement, it deposits its customers' registration data with an approved escrow agent. Together, these two layers help preserve the registration data needed to recover service if either the registrar or registry layer fails. Our guides to registrar data escrow and the Registrar Accreditation Agreement explain both.
Lowering Your Risk at NameSilo
Anchor your brand on established extensions. Keep your core brand and email on .com.
Use newer extensions for campaigns. Redirect them with NameSilo forwarding.
Keep auto-renewal enabled. That reduces the separate risk of accidentally allowing a domain to expire during normal operation, even though registry continuity during an EBERO event is handled through ICANN’s emergency process.
What This Means for You
ICANN built a tested emergency process for this case, and registrar escrow adds a second safeguard. Newer extensions work well for campaigns and brand building. Keep your core brand and email on .com, keep auto-renewal on, and search for your domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a domain registry goes out of business?
ICANN can activate an EBERO to keep the extension's critical functions running while a longer-term solution is arranged.
What is an EBERO?
An Emergency Back-End Registry Operator, a provider ICANN activates temporarily to run a failing registry's critical functions.
Who are ICANN's emergency registry operators?
CIRA, CNNIC and Nominet.
Will my domain stop working if the registry fails?
The EBERO's job is to keep DNS resolution and the other critical functions available during the transition.
Has a domain registry ever failed?
Yes, occasionally. ICANN has used the program for .wed in December 2017 and .desi in October 2023.
What is the difference between a registry and a registrar?
The registry runs the extension. The registrar sells and manages your domain.
Are new domain extensions safe to use?
Yes. ICANN's safeguards apply to new extensions. Many businesses keep core brand and email on .com and use newer extensions alongside it.
Does NameSilo escrow my registration data?
Yes. As an ICANN-accredited registrar, NameSilo deposits registration data with an approved escrow agent.
NameSilo Staff
The NameSilo staff of writers worked together on this post. It was a combination of efforts from our passionate writers that produce content to educate and provide insights for all our readers.
