Unstoppable Domains and Blockchain.com have announced a partnership to launch and promote a DNS-enabled web3 domain under the “.blockchain” extension. 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 overseeing IP addresses and domain names.

ICANN is set to implement new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by 2026. The application process begins with the launch of ICANN’s Applicant’s Guidebook next year. As such, the firms have a year to prepare for the new domain’s application.

“The agreement between Blockchain.com and Unstoppable Domains is focused on preparing for this upcoming ICANN application,” a spokesperson mentioned.

Upon approval by ICANN, the .blockchain domain would join existing top-level domains (TLD) like .com and .net, providing a dedicated space for blockchain-related businesses.

“Once accredited by ICANN, the .blockchain gTLD will serve as both a web2 domain and a web3 domain. It will integrate web3 and traditional web2 browsing capabilities, enhance accessibility, and allow users to utilize ‘.blockchain’ domains seamlessly across 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 provide users with 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 Name Service’s recent integration of browser-compatible “.box” web domains, the .blockchain gTLD aims to enhance accessibility and usability for blockchain-related activities.

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 such as .sol or .crypto can replace lengthy 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 simpler 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 (NFT). They’re hosted on a public, immutable blockchain, and so can’t be altered or deleted; they also provide users full ownership of their data and can serve as a user’s digital identity,” the spokesperson added.

Currently, users are purchasing popular domain names through these platforms, anticipating that corporations will soon register their respective brands. For those interested in staying updated with the latest in the cryptocurrency world, be sure to explore more news on Global Crypto News.

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