Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have partnered to introduce and promote a DNS-enabled web3 domain with the “.blockchain” extension.
In a statement shared with crypto.news, the two companies have come together to apply for the registration of 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 expected to introduce new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026. The application process will kick off with the release of ICANN’s Applicant’s Guidebook next year. This gives the companies a year to prepare for the application for the new domain.
“The collaboration between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is focused on getting ready for this upcoming ICANN application,” a spokesperson informed crypto.news.
If approved by ICANN, the .blockchain domain will join other existing top-level domains (TLD) like .com and .net, offering a dedicated space for blockchain-related businesses.
“The .blockchain gTLD, once approved by ICANN, will function as both a web2 domain and a web3 domain […] It will merge web3 and traditional web2 browsing capabilities, improve accessibility, and enable users to seamlessly use “.blockchain” domains across both ecosystems. This will include email, website resolution, and more for Web2 capabilities,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Established in 2018, Unstoppable Domains has been using blockchain technology to empower users with control over their digital identities. The company plans to provide specialized domain names for individuals, brands, and companies, expanding the adoption 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 of browser-friendly “.box” web domains by Ethereum Name Service.
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 such as Google Chrome and Safari, making them compatible with popular email services.
Web3 domains are new web extensions, similar to .com or .in, created as smart contracts on public blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Extensions like .sol or .crypto can replace long wallet addresses for cryptocurrency transactions and can also be 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 complex 42-character crypto wallet address, making it easier for consumers to interact with a named address.
“.blockchain” and other web3 domains are in the form of unique, non-fungible tokens (NFT). They are stored on a public, unchangeable 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 increase following the launch of its Solana Name Service (SNS) in China.
Currently, users are acquiring popular domain names through these platforms, expecting that companies will soon register their respective brands.