What is a blockchain domain?
New extensions such as .com or .info launched as smart contracts on public blockchains and .crypto is simply an ERC 721 on the Ethereum blockchain. Blockchain domains are stored by their owners in their wallet like a cryptocurrency so that no third party can take them away. The domains are paid for only once and you own the domain for life so no renewal fees which is a great value proposition.
About Unstoppable Domains
Unstoppable Domains launches domains secured by blockchains and builds uncensorable websites. With Unstoppable Domains, users can register for the .zil or .crypto domain extensions, enabling them to create websites that leverage the decentralized storage network, InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), for data storage. These domain names can also be used to replace crypto addresses, enabling users to use their .zil or .crypto domain name when receiving crypto payments.
The company is backed by VCs and crypto foundations, including Draper Associates (Tim Draper), Boost VC (Adam Draper), the Ethereum Foundation, and Zilliqa.
The Problem
Making peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions can be tricky and sometimes even daunting, especially considering that if an error is made with regards to inputting the send or receive address funds can be permanently lost. Currently, the most common form of crypto wallet address is represented by a random string of letters and numbers which makes these types of address hard to memorise and prone to a mix ups or distortions.
The Solution
Unstoppable Domains enables you to replace cryptocurrency addresses with a human readable name. In order to send cryptocurrency, all you’ll need to know is the recipient’s blockchain domain. Using their domain name service, you’re able to send Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies utilising that domain name as a wallet manager. This means you don’t have to worry about sending crypto to the wrong address.
Why Use Unstoppable Domains?
Simplify cryptocurrency addresses with blockchain domains
Attach your BTC, ETH, LTC and any other cryptocurrency address to your blockchain domain
Build censorship-resistant websites
Your domain is stored in your wallet and is only accessible with your private key
Your website content is stored on a decentralized storage network and cannot be taken down
These tools are fundamental for global free speech
Use dChat for P2P communication
Sign with your crypto address to access P2P chat, group chats, and read-only broadcasting channels
What’s attractive about the Unstoppable Domains proposition is that you are able to transfer your domains. Since the domain is stored in your cryptocurrency wallet, you can transfer it after you claim the name on the blockchain with your wallet.
As far as which cryptocurrencies you will be able to use with your wallet? Well, no need to get yourself in a fret. Unstoppable Domains currently supports more than 50 cryptocurrencies. Unstoppable Domains provide you with a wallet, however, that wallet is only for holding your blockchain domains. In order to send and receive cryptocurrency using your domain, you will use wallets that have integrated the software. You are also able to use your own self custody wallet to hold domains. Some of the popular crypto wallets that are integrated with Unstoppable Domains include:
To view a blockchain website you will need to use a mirroring service, a browser extension or a browser that supports blockchain domains such as Unstoppable Browser.
The challenge with having a blockchain domain is that these domains are not typically indexed by major search engines such as Google. For now, you will be able to search for the domains at unstoppabledomains.com, on partner applications that integrate their search bar, or on blockchain apps that index blockchain domain websites. It’s also important to note that blockchain domains are not currently part of ICANN or traditional DNS. Blockchain domains are called alternate roots.
Security
With Unstoppable Domain, your personal information is supposed to be protected by default. Sharing ‘whois’ information is opt-in so your identity will not be publicly known. As far as trademarking your blockchain domains, trademark holders with proof of ownership are able to apply to claim ownership of trademarked names. If a trademark name has already been sold, then it will be refunded.
Payments
How do payments work with your blockchain domain you may be wondering? Well, what you need to do is simply add your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Zilliqa addresses to your .zil or .crypto domain inside of the ‘my domains’ section at unstoppabledomains.com. When someone types yourname.zil into a supporting wallet, the wallet looks up that domain on the blockchain, finds the appropriate address, and sends to the address associated with that name.
Unstoppable Domains are uncensorable since the domain is stored in your wallet, just like a cryptocurrency. This means no other party can move the domain around aside from you. With blockchain-based domains you are able to point to content on a decentralised storage network. The combination of blockchain domains and decentralised storage means that you can have a website that only you can launch or take down.
To learn how to:
Search for a domain
Purchase a domain
Connect and claim your wallet
Add crypto addresses and send money
Transfer a domain or build websites
Check out the step-by-step guide.
Originally published on http://bitcoincashafrica.com/
Nice article I too am keen on the blockchain domain names