Unstoppable Domains introduces blockchain domains to drive growth of web3
Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have revealed a new partnership 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 officially register the .blockchain web3 domain with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global authority overseeing IP addresses and domain names.
ICANN is planning to introduce new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026. The process will begin 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 collaboration between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is centered around getting ready for this upcoming ICANN application,” a spokesperson informed crypto.news.
Upon approval by ICANN, the .blockchain domain will be added to the existing top-level domains (TLD) like .com and .net, offering a designated space for blockchain-related businesses.
“The .blockchain gTLD, once approved by ICANN, will function as both a web2 and web3 domain, merging web3 and traditional web2 browsing capabilities, improving accessibility, and enabling users to seamlessly use “.blockchain” domains across both ecosystems. This includes email, website resolution, and more for Web2 capabilities,” 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 provide specialized domain names for individuals, brands, and businesses, expanding the utilization of blockchain-based domains.
The collaboration between Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com aims to bridge the gap between web2 and web3, similar to Ethereum Name Service’s recent inclusion of browser-compatible “.box” web domains.
The .box domain is recognized as 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.
Web3 domain names are a new trend, similar to .com or .in, launched as smart contracts on public blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Extensions such as .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 simplicity of web3 domain names lies in their user-friendly nature. Users can send funds to an easy-to-remember wallet address like “jack.eth” instead of a long 42-character crypto wallet address, making interactions simpler for consumers.
“.blockchain” and other web3 domains are unique, non-fungible tokens (NFT) hosted on a public, immutable blockchain, ensuring full ownership of data and serving as a user’s digital identity.
Recently, FIDA, the token governing Solana-based infrastructure developer Bonfida, experienced a significant surge following the launch of its Solana Name Service (SNS) in China.
Currently, users are actively purchasing popular domain names through these platforms in anticipation of corporations registering their respective brands.
For more information, you can read about the partnership between Ethereum Name Service and GoDaddy, connecting domain names with crypto wallets.
