Unstoppable Domains Expands ICANN Accreditation for On-Chain Domains

Web3 and blockchain technology have revolutionized digital identity and asset management. As these innovations mature, the challenge is helping mainstream users experience the benefits without technical barriers.

Sandy Carter, Chief Business Officer at Unstoppable Domains, has been at the forefront of this evolution, leading the company through history-making transitions. She shared insights on Unstoppable’s journey from pioneering on-chain domains to becoming one of the first ICANN-accredited registrars with on-chain capabilities. She detailed partnerships, simplicity in user experience, and the broader implications for identity in an increasingly digital world.

As the lines between Web2 and Web3 blur, Carter’s vision spotlights a future where domains are not just addresses but core building blocks for businesses, individuals, and even AI agents. This conversation reveals why the next chapter for domains—and digital identity—is already unfolding.

Unstoppable Domains’ Evolution and the Power of On-Chain Assets

Unstoppable Domains started as an on-chain domain provider, aiming to bring the power of blockchain to mainstream users. The company initially waited for Web2 users to adopt on-chain domains, but realized that mainstream users, or "normies," were not naturally drawn to the technology. To bridge this gap, Unstoppable Domains tokenized .com domains, making them both DNS and on-chain domains. This dual functionality allows domains to exist in both the Web2 and Web3 worlds, providing users with future-proof digital assets.

Shaping the Future of Domaining for Mainstream and Web3 Users

Unstoppable Domains has seen a surge in interest from both Web2 and Web3 users. Traditional domain owners are attracted to the future-proofing and potential benefits of on-chain domains, while Web3 enthusiasts appreciate the searchability and taggability that come with integrating Web2 capabilities. This dual appeal is driving the adoption of on-chain domains across different user segments.

New Waves in Domain Trading: From Dot Com to Dot Crypto

While .com remains the dominant domain extension, the next wave of innovation is expected to come from .AI and .crypto domains. These extensions are seen as having significant potential, especially as ICANN opens up new opportunities in April 2026. The value of these domains is expected to rise, similar to the dot-com boom, with early adopters potentially seeing substantial returns.

Partner Branded TLDs and the Power of Collaboration

Unstoppable Domains has partnered with 90 companies to create branded top-level domains (TLDs). One notable partnership is with Brave, a browser known for its focus on security and privacy. Brave launched .Brave as an on-chain domain, which can be used in the Brave browser and wallet. This partnership is set to expand in April, with Brave applying to ICANN to make .Brave an ICANN-accredited domain. This collaboration highlights the potential for branded TLDs to enhance user experience and drive adoption.

Technological Breakthroughs for Simplicity and User Experience

Unstoppable Domains has focused on simplifying the user experience by hiding the complexity of blockchain technology. For example, the company has developed an MPC wallet that operates behind the scenes, allowing users to benefit from on-chain capabilities without needing to understand the technical details. This approach has been particularly successful with less tech-savvy users, such as farmers, who can now use on-chain domains to streamline their transactions.

The Expanding Role of Domains in Identity and Real-World Assets

Domains are increasingly seen as real-world assets (RWAs) that represent digital identities, companies, and even AI agents. Unstoppable Domains has partnered with Synergistics to launch .twin, a domain extension for AI agents. This innovation allows AI agents to have a digital identity represented by a domain name, simplifying interactions and transactions. As the use of AI agents grows, the demand for such domains is expected to increase significantly.

The Next Chapter for Unstoppable Domains: Aspirations and Innovations

Unstoppable Domains aims to provide real-world assets to a global audience, including companies, individuals, and AI agents. The company is focused on leveraging its ICANN accreditation to expand its offerings and simplify the user experience. Recent innovations, such as a marketplace for buying and selling domains, demonstrate the company's commitment to listening to user needs and driving adoption.

Sandy Carter’s vision for Unstoppable Domains goes far beyond simple web addresses. With roots as an on-chain domain pioneer and now an ICANN-accredited leader, the company unites Web2 and Web3 under a seamless, future-focused user experience. Carter’s emphasis on partnerships, real-world applications, and user simplicity highlights how domains are evolving as digital assets, identity markers, and even enablers for AI agents. As innovation accelerates and user demands grow, Unstoppable Domains is setting the pace for the future of digital identity, ensuring everyone—from farmers to fintech to AI—can thrive in this new landscape.