Unstoppable Domains introduces blockchain domains to drive the growth of web3
Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have come together in a groundbreaking collaboration to introduce and promote a DNS-enabled web3 domain with the “.blockchain” extension.
In an announcement shared with crypto.news, the two companies revealed their partnership to secure the registration of the .blockchain web3 domain through the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global entity responsible for overseeing IP addresses and domain names.
ICANN has plans to introduce new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by the year 2026. The process will kick off with the release of ICANN’s Applicant’s Guidebook next year, giving the firms a year to prepare for the application of the new domain.
“The focus of the agreement between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is on getting ready for this impending ICANN application,” a spokesperson informed crypto.news.
Once approved by ICANN, the .blockchain domain will join established top-level domains like .com and .net, creating a dedicated space for blockchain-oriented businesses.
“When accredited by ICANN, the .blockchain gTLD will function as both a web2 domain and a web3 domain, merging web3 and traditional web2 browsing capabilities. This will enhance accessibility and allow users to seamlessly utilize “.blockchain” domains across both ecosystems, including email, website resolution, and more,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Established in 2018, Unstoppable Domains has been harnessing blockchain technology to empower users with control over their digital identities. The company aims to offer custom domain names for individuals, brands, and enterprises, expanding the adoption of blockchain-based domains.
The collaboration between Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com seeks to bridge the gap between web2 and web3, akin to the recent integration of browser-compatible “.box” web domains by Ethereum Name Service.
The .box domain is an ICANN-approved top-level domain and is the first on-chain gTLD featured in the ENS manager app alongside .eth. Domains hosted on .box are searchable and indexable on major browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, ensuring compatibility with popular email services.
Web3 domains are novel web extensions, akin to .com or .in, launched as smart contracts on public blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Extensions like .sol or .crypto can replace lengthy wallet addresses for cryptocurrency transactions and can also be used for website hosting and single sign-on methods for various web3 applications.
The popularity of web3 domain names lies in their simplicity. Users can send funds to an easy-to-recall wallet address like “jack.eth” instead of a complex 42-character crypto wallet address, simplifying interactions for consumers.
“.blockchain” and other web3 domains are in the form of unique, non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Hosted on a public, immutable blockchain, they offer users complete ownership of their data and can function as a user’s digital identity.
In a recent development, FIDA, the token governing Solana-based infrastructure developer Bonfida, experienced a significant surge following the launch of its Solana Name Service (SNS) in China. Users are currently acquiring popular domain names through these platforms in anticipation of corporations registering their respective brands.
For further insights, Ethereum Name Service has partnered with GoDaddy to link domain names with crypto wallets.
