Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have partnered to introduce and promote DNS-enabled web3 domains under the new .blockchain extension. This collaboration aims to register the .blockchain domain with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global authority overseeing IP addresses and domain names.
ICANN plans to roll out new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026. The application process for these domains will start with the release of ICANN’s Applicant’s Guidebook next year, giving Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com a year to prepare for their application. A spokesperson from the companies stated, “The agreement between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is focused on preparing for this upcoming ICANN application.”
Once approved by ICANN, the .blockchain domain will join other top-level domains (TLDs) like .com and .net, creating a dedicated space for blockchain-related businesses. The domain will function as both a web2 and web3 domain, integrating traditional web browsing capabilities with web3 features. This integration aims to enhance accessibility and allow seamless use of .blockchain domains across both ecosystems. For web2 capabilities, this includes email and website resolution.
Unstoppable Domains, founded in 2018, leverages blockchain technology to give users control over their digital identities. They plan to offer specialized domain names for individuals, brands, and companies, thereby expanding the use of blockchain-based domains. This collaboration with Blockchain.com is part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between web2 and web3, similar to the Ethereum Name Service’s recent integration of browser-compatible .box web domains.
The .box domain, recognized as an ICANN-approved top-level domain, is the first on-chain gTLD included in the ENS manager app alongside .eth. These domains are searchable and indexable on major browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, making them compatible with popular email services as well.
The Rise of Web3 Domain Names
Web3 domains are new web extensions launched as smart contracts on public blockchains such as Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Extensions like .sol or .crypto can replace lengthy wallet addresses for cryptocurrency transactions and are also used for website hosting and single sign-on methods for various web3 applications.
The appeal of web3 domain names lies in their simplicity. Users can send funds to an easy-to-remember wallet address like “jack.eth” instead of a 42-character crypto wallet address. This makes it simpler for consumers to interact with a named address rather than a complex string of characters.
“.blockchain” and other web3 domains take the form of unique, non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Hosted on a public, immutable blockchain, they cannot be altered or deleted, providing users with full ownership of their data and serving as a digital identity.
Recently, FIDA, the token governing Solana-based infrastructure developer Bonfida, saw a notable surge following the launch of its Solana Name Service (SNS) in China. Currently, users are purchasing popular domain names through these platforms, anticipating that corporations will soon register their respective brands.
This initiative by Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com represents a significant step towards the widespread adoption and integration of web3 technologies into mainstream use, enhancing the functionality and accessibility of blockchain-based digital identities.
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