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Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have announced a partnership to launch and promote a DNS-enabled web3 domain under the “.blockchain” extension.
According to a statement shared with crypto.news, the two companies have joined forces to register the web3 .blockchain domain with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global authority that oversees IP addresses and names. domain.
ICANN is set to implement new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026.
The application process begins with the release of the ICANN Applicant Guide next year. As such, companies have one year to prepare for the new domain application.
“The agreement between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is focused on preparation for this upcoming ICANN request,” a spokesperson told crypto.news.
Upon approval by ICANN, the .blockchain domain would join existing top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com and .net, providing a dedicated space for blockchain-related companies.
“Once accredited by ICANN, the .blockchain gTLD will serve as both a web2 domain and a web3 domain (…) It will integrate traditional web3 and web2 browsing capabilities, improve accessibility, and allow users to seamlessly use “.blockchain” domains on both. ecosystems. For Web2 capabilities, this would include email, website resolution, etc.,” the spokesperson added.
Founded in 2018, Unstoppable Domains has been leveraging blockchain technology to give users control over their digital identities. It plans to offer specialized domain names for individuals, brands and companies, expanding the use of blockchain-based domains.
Unstoppable Domains' collaboration with Blockchain.com aims to bridge the gap between web2 and web3. similar to ethereum naming service recent integration of “.box” web domains compatible with the browser.
The .box domain is recognized as an ICANN-approved top-level domain and is the first chain gTLD included in the ENS Admin app alongside .eth. Domains hosted on .box can be searched and indexed in major browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, making them also compatible with popular email services.
The rise of web3 domain names
Web3 domains are new web extensions, similar to .com or .in, launched as smart contracts on public blockchains such as ethereum, Polygon and Solana.
Extensions like .sol or .crypto can replace long wallet addresses for cryptocurrency transactions. They can also be used for website hosting and single sign-on methods for various web applications3.
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, making it simpler for consumers to interact with a named address instead of a complex string of characters.
“.blockchain” and other web3 domains take the form of unique non-fungible tokens (nfts). They are hosted on a public, immutable blockchain, so they cannot be modified or deleted; “They also give users full ownership of their data and can serve as the user’s digital identity,” the spokesperson added.
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.
Users are currently purchasing popular domain names through these platforms, anticipating that corporations will soon register their respective trademarks.