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Unstoppable Domains brings .blockchain domains to drive web3 expansion
Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have announced a partnership to launch and promote a DNS-enabled web3 domain with the “.blockchain” extension.
According to a statement shared with crypto.news, the two companies have joined forces to register the .blockchain web3 domain with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global authority that oversees IP addresses and domain names.
ICANN is preparing to roll out new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026.
The application process will begin next year with the launch of ICANN’s Applicant Guide. Therefore, companies have one year to prepare for the application of the new domain.
“The agreement between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is focused on preparing for this upcoming ICANN application,” a spokesperson told crypto.news.
Upon approval by ICANN, the .blockchain domain will join existing top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com and .net, providing a dedicated space for blockchain-related activities.
“Once accredited by ICANN, the .blockchain gTLD will serve as both a web2 and web3 domain […] It will integrate web3 and traditional web2 navigation features, improve accessibility, and allow users to use “.blockchain” domains seamlessly across both ecosystems. As for Web2 capabilities, this would include email, website resolution, etc.,” the spokesperson added.
Founded in 2018, Unstoppable domains has leveraged blockchain technology to give users control over their digital identities. It plans to offer specialized domain names for individuals, brands and businesses, expanding the use of blockchain-based domains.
Unstoppable Domains’ collaboration with Blockchain.com aims to bridge the gap between web2 and web3. similar to that of Ethereum Name Service recent integration 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 management app alongside .eth. Domains hosted on .box are searchable and indexable on major browsers such as Google Chrome and Safari, making them compatible even with the most 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 EthereumPolygon 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 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 42-character crypto wallet address, making it easier for consumers to interact with a named address rather than 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 and therefore cannot be modified or deleted; they also provide users with full ownership of their data and can serve as the user’s digital identity,” the spokesperson added.
Recently, FIDA, the token that governs Solana-based infrastructure developer Bonfida, saw a notable increase following the initiative launch of the Solana Name Service (SNS) in China.
Currently, users purchase popular domain names through these platforms, predicting that companies will soon register their respective trademarks.