Brave Browser Innovates with Proprietary Onchain Domain System
In a pioneering move for internet infrastructure, Brave, a web browser distinguished by its emphasis on user privacy, has announced a collaboration with Unstoppable Domains to launch its proprietary blockchain-based domain system, designated as “.brave.”
This initiative makes Brave the first major browser to use its blockchain-based top-level domain (TLD), allowing people to replace complicated cryptocurrency wallet addresses with simpler, easy-to-read names.
Technical Architecture and User Empowerment
These “.brave” domains are represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Polygon blockchain, giving users real ownership and control without needing to pay renewal fees.
Furthermore, they are engineered for resolution across a diverse array of blockchain networks, encompassing Sonic, Solana, Ethereum, Base, and Bitcoin.
A novel capability accompanying this introduction is the empowerment of users to deploy decentralized websites via the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), leveraging their “.brave” domains, with such sites being natively accessible within the Brave browser ecosystem.
Strategic Vision and Integration Roadmap
Brian Bondy, Brave’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, articulated the underlying philosophy: “Our mission is to put privacy, ownership, and control back in the hands of users.”
He further characterized “.brave” as “more than a domain — it’s a user-owned identity layer, native to the Brave ecosystem.”
The functionality for direct resolution of “.brave” domains is slated for integration into both the Brave Browser and Brave Wallet with the rollout of version 1.81.
This update is currently accessible through nightly development builds, with its general public release scheduled for August of the current year.
Bridging Web3 Domains and Traditional DNS Frameworks
In the past, blockchain-based domains have faced major challenges in being recognized by regular web browsers because they work separately from the ICANN-controlled Domain Name System (DNS).
Brave’s current trajectory, however, signals a strategic intent to address this longstanding issue.
To this end, Brave has indicated that, in conjunction with Unstoppable Domains, it is actively investigating the prospect of securing ICANN general top-level domain (gTLD) registration by 2026.
Such a development would aim to facilitate seamless functionality for “.brave” domains across both established Web2 and emergent Web3 digital landscapes.
Brave’s Market Position and Growth Trajectory
Despite boasting a substantial user base exceeding 85 million monthly active users, Brave Browser is broadly categorized as a niche yet expanding participant in the competitive browser market.
It currently commands approximately 1% of the market share, positioning it behind industry stalwarts such as Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.
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