Unstoppable Domains Introduces blockchain Domains to Drive Growth of Web3
Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have revealed a new collaboration to introduce and promote a DNS-enabled web3 domain with the “.blockchain” extension.
In a statement shared with crypto.news, the two companies have united to secure the registration of the .blockchain web3 domain with ICANN, the global authority responsible for overseeing IP addresses and domain names.
ICANN is preparing to introduce new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026. The process will kick off with the release of ICANN’s Applicant’s Guidebook next year. This gives the companies a year to get ready for the application of the new domain.
“The partnership between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is primarily focused on gearing up for this forthcoming ICANN application,” a spokesperson informed crypto.news.
If approved by ICANN, the .blockchain domain would be added to the list of existing top-level domains (TLD) like .com and .net, providing a designated space for blockchain-related enterprises.
“After ICANN accreditation, the .blockchain gTLD will function as both a web2 domain and a web3 domain, seamlessly integrating web3 and traditional web2 browsing capabilities. This will enhance accessibility and enable users to utilize “.blockchain” domains across both ecosystems. Web2 capabilities will include functions like email, website resolution, etc.,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Established in 2018, Unstoppable Domains has been utilizing blockchain technology to empower users with control over their digital identities. The company plans to offer custom domain names for individuals, brands, and businesses, expanding the usage of blockchain-based domains.
The collaboration between Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com aims to bridge the gap between web2 and web3, similar to the recent integration by Ethereum Name Service of browser-compatible “.box” web domains.
The .box domain is an ICANN-approved top-level domain and is the first on-chain gTLD included in the ENS manager app alongside .eth. Domains hosted on .box are searchable and indexable on major browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, making them compatible with popular email services as well.
Web3 domains are a new type of web extension, similar to .com or .in, created 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 can be used for website hosting and single sign-on methods for various web3 applications.
The attractiveness of web3 domain names lies in their simplicity. Users can send funds to an easy-to-remember wallet address like “jack.eth” rather than a complex 42-character crypto wallet address, making it easier for consumers to interact with a named address.
“.blockchain” and other web3 domains are unique non-fungible tokens (NFTs) hosted on a public, immutable blockchain, ensuring that they cannot be altered or deleted. They also grant users full ownership of their data and can serve as a user’s digital identity,” the spokesperson explained.
Recently, FIDA, the token governing Solana-based infrastructure developer Bonfida, experienced a significant increase following the launch of its Solana Name Service (SNS) in China.
Currently, users are purchasing popular domain names through these platforms in anticipation of corporations registering their respective brands.
