Web3 Domains: The Future of Digital Identity and How They’re Different from Web2 Domains

XRP Name Service
3 min readMay 14, 2023

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The world of the internet is evolving at a rapid pace, with new innovations and technologies shaping the way we communicate, work, and live. One such is the emergence of Web3 domains. These decentralized domain systems have been making waves in the crypto and tech communities, but what exactly are they, and why aren’t they considered real Top-Level Domains (TLDs)?

Bluey is here to explain!

What Are Web3 Domains?

Web3 domains are decentralized domain name systems built on blockchain technology. They provide a user-friendly way for people to interact with blockchain addresses, making it easier to send and receive cryptocurrencies, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), and manage digital assets.

The most significant difference between Web3 domains and traditional domain systems lies in their underlying architecture. While traditional domain systems are centralized and controlled by regulatory bodies, Web3 domains leverage the decentralized nature of blockchain technology to provide a more secure and censorship-resistant domain ecosystem.

The Web3 Domain Advantage

Web3 domains offer several advantages over traditional domain systems:

  1. Censorship Resistance: Decentralized domain systems are inherently resistant to censorship, as no single authority controls them. This enables users to maintain control of their digital identity without fear of interference from centralized entities.
  2. Security: Web3 domains are secured by blockchain technology, ensuring that the domain ownership and data associated with it are tamper-proof.
  3. Simplified Crypto Transactions: Web3 domains make it easier for users to send and receive cryptocurrencies by allowing them to use human-readable addresses instead of long, complicated blockchain addresses.
  4. Integration with dApps: Web3 domains are designed to work seamlessly with decentralized applications, enabling users to interact with various dApps using a single digital identity.

Why Web3 Domains Aren’t Real TLDs?

Despite their innovative features and advantages, Web3 domains are not considered real TLDs. The primary reason for this is that they do not operate within the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) framework. ICANN is the organization responsible for maintaining the global domain name system (DNS) and assigning TLDs to domain registries.

Web3 domains, by virtue of being decentralized, bypass the ICANN framework altogether, functioning independently of traditional DNS systems. This means that Web3 domains cannot be accessed through standard browsers without additional plugins or extensions.

However, this does not mean that Web3 domains are any less useful or valuable. Their decentralized nature, security features, and seamless integration with blockchain technology make them a significant innovation in the world of digital identity. As the world moves towards increased decentralization, Web3 domains are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the internet.

So why do we get a web3 domain?

Web3 domains represent a new era in digital identity, offering a decentralized, secure, and censorship-resistant alternative to traditional domain systems. While they may not be considered real TLDs in the ICANN framework, their unique features and advantages make them a powerful tool in the ever-evolving landscape of the internet.

As more users and developers adopt Web3 domains and the broader Web3 ecosystem, we can expect to see continued innovation and growth in this space, further solidifying the importance of decentralized domain systems in our increasingly digital world.

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