Brave Introduces Blockchain-Based .brave Domain for Enhanced User Control

Brave has made history by becoming the first web browser to introduce its own blockchain-based domain, the “.brave” top-level domain (TLD), in collaboration with Unstoppable Domains. These domains, minted as NFTs on the Polygon blockchain, offer users an alternative to the complex wallet addresses typically used in blockchain transactions. By providing personalized, human-readable identities, .brave domains aim to simplify the user experience and enhance control over digital identities.

The .brave domains support resolution across major networks including Ethereum, Solana, Base, Sonic, and Bitcoin, and function without renewal fees. Additionally, these domains support decentralized websites via IPFS, making them accessible directly within the Brave browser. This integration is part of Brave's broader vision to give users control over their digital identities, fully integrated into the Brave ecosystem.

The new domain system will be rolled out in version 1.81 of the Brave Browser and Brave Wallet, initially through Nightly builds with a full release planned for August. Despite the innovative nature of blockchain domains, they have yet to achieve widespread functionality across traditional internet infrastructure. Operating outside the ICANN-regulated DNS system, they are not universally accessible on all browsers. However, Brave and Unstoppable Domains are working to change this by pursuing ICANN registration for the .brave gTLD by 2026, which would allow the domain to function across both Web2 and Web3 environments.

With over 85 million monthly active users, Brave has established itself as a privacy-centric browser, though it still holds a small share of the global browser market. The .brave domain rollout follows Brave’s integration of the Cardano blockchain into its wallet, supporting token management and blockchain access. This partnership with Input Output broadens Brave Wallet’s multi-chain functionality and hints at future integrations with Cardano’s Midnight sidechain, which focuses on privacy and smart contracts. Midnight could introduce NFT-based access models that mirror free app experiences in Web2, potentially changing how users interact with crypto-powered applications.

Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains, highlighted the potential of digital identities in various sectors, including healthcare. She envisioned a future where healthcare data is stored securely on the blockchain, accessible only with a digital identity, preventing misdiagnoses and ensuring timely access to critical medical information. Unstoppable Domains recently launched city-specific domains like .austin, which can be used for tokenizing personal documents and memberships, further expanding the utility of blockchain domains.