The Web3 Domain Alliance is launched to protect users’ digital identities

by James · November 2, 2022

Lisbon, Portugal, November 2, 2022, Chainwire

The newly formed member-led alliance will support the development of Web3 domains and work to combat bad actors, cybersquatting and domain collisions in Web3

Today, the Web3 Domain Alliance was formed – a new coalition whose goal is to advance the technological progress and interoperability of Web3 domain registries and improve the experience of Web3 users. The Alliance will seek to prevent malicious phishing attacks, bad actors impersonating Web3 “top-level domains” (W3TLDs), cybersquatting, and Web3 domain collisions. The member-led group includes leading blockchain and Web3 name players included Unstoppable domains (.crypto, .nft, .x, .wallet, .bitcoin, .dao, .888, .zil and .blockchain), Bonfida (.sun), Tezo’s domains (.tez), Polkadot naming system (.dot), Hedera (.hbar), Syscoin (.sys) and klaytn.domains (.klay) that work together to provide protection for Web3 domain names. This cross-chain coalition includes naming systems across the Polygon, Ethereum, Solana, Tezos, Polkadot, Hedera and Klayton blockchains.

While traditional Web2 domain names are organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), an American non-profit organization responsible for coordinating namespace databases, there is no such governing body or alliance in Web3. Web3 domains, such as sandy.nft, nate.hbar, or sarah.sol, provide infrastructure that allows people to own their Web3 identity and data on the Internet. With the demand for Web3 domains booming, there are still no firm industry standards to prevent problems such as fraud or name collisions in Web3. In addition to working with Web3 industry stakeholders to shape these standards, the Web3 Domain Alliance aims to proactively engage in discussions with ICANN to increase ICANN’s awareness and recognition of W3TLDs.

A Web3 domain is an important component of a person’s digital Web3 identity. Among other things, it can be used to send and receive cryptocurrency instead of long alphanumeric wallet addresses, giving the holder an easy-to-read Web3 domain, such as sandy.nft. A Web3 domain can also be used for web hosting, secure email forwarding, and as a single sign-on method for many apps, games, metaverses, and more. Web3 domains are minted on the blockchain and stored in a user’s wallet, putting more control in the hands of the owner.

Companies also recognize the benefit of using branded W3TLDs, such as “.blockchain” or “.klever,” and the Web3 Domain Alliance pledges to collaborate on ways to not only protect their intellectual property rights, but also to protect users so they can safely interact with their favorite brands in Web3.

The Web3 Domain Alliance strives to standardize and protect existing and future Web3 domain names and to prevent bad actors from introducing name collisions, which make it difficult for users to navigate this new technology and trust those they interact with. Among other initiatives, the Web3 Domain Alliance will work to coordinate the intellectual property rights of all Web3 naming services, and how best to avoid consumer harm.

Members of the Web3 Domain Alliance will work together to advance the development of the Web3 naming industry. They will also commit to educating consumers, regulators, and industry participants about the distinctiveness, technological innovation, and utility of Web3 domains, and advocate for the reasonable management and recognition of Web3 naming services by browsers, technical partners, Web2 companies, and other stakeholders.

“As a member of the Web3 Domain Alliance, we are committed to helping protect people’s Web3 identities, and ensuring that Web3 will adhere to the best global standards and practices possible,” said Sandy Carter, SVP and Channel Chief for Unstoppable Domains. “We’re still in the dial-in phase of Web3, and many people are still working to understand the space. The alliance is critical to supporting the development of our space so people can explore Web3 safely and securely.”

“We believe that an alliance of this kind is important to protect tomorrow’s domain names. We have a responsibility in this industry to create a safe Web3 environment to ensure widespread use. The Web3 Domain Alliance is about safeguarding the integrity of the industry and standing together against malicious activity that could threaten our industry,” said bonfida.sol.

“As part of the Web3 Domain Alliance, Tezos Domains will leverage its proven technology and expertise to help coordinate and regulate the rapidly growing Web3 domain space and allow Web3 enthusiasts worldwide to participate in a healthy and fair ecosystem,” added Andrew Paulicek, founder of Tezos Domains.

“Web3 is founded on the principles of decentralization, inclusivity and fairness, so organizations like the Web3 Domain Alliance are of the utmost importance if we want to unlock its full potential, while ensuring users can enjoy the most seamless, engaging and multi-chain experience,” explained Ryan Ye, co-founder of PNS (Polkadot Naming Service).

“The need for a Web3 Domain Alliance reflects the importance of community in everything we do. Providers can and should work together to avoid domain confusion and disorder. This will allow us to have a truly global, inclusive network where users are in control of their identity “This can help connect us all,” said Nate Western, co-founder and head of Web3 at pieFi and Hash Name Service (at Hedera).

Apps, games, metaverses and naming systems interested in getting involved in the Web3 Domain Alliance can be contacted at [email protected] or visit web3domainalliance.com to learn more.

About the Web3 Domain Alliance

Founded in 2022, the Web3 Domain Alliance is a member-led, member-driven organization dedicated to improving the technology and public policy environments for users of Web3 naming services. It exists to promote the development of the Web3 naming industry and the functioning of Web3 domain registries with and across blockchain-based and traditional web applications. The Web3 Domain Alliance is also dedicated to the technological development and interoperability of Web3 domain registries.