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 .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 told crypto.news.

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 .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 such as Google Chrome and Safari, making them compatible with popular email services as well.

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 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.

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.

Currently, users are purchasing popular domain names through these platforms, anticipating that corporations will soon register their respective brands.