The group will examine the risks of creating matching domains within web3 namespaces.
ICANN is forming a technical study group to look into integrations between “real” DNS top level domains and the same names in alternative naming systems (typically web3 namespaces).
The group is being formed as some companies prepare to apply for top level domains with a goal of integrating them with blockchain technology. Applicants want to know what will be allowed and what won’t be, and what will be required to offer these integrations.
ICANN said TLD operators need to submit these integrations under the Registry Services Evaluation Policy (RSEP) and also believes they would need to go a step further by submitting to a Registry Service Technical Evaluation Panel.
To date, I’m not aware of any registry that has filed an RSEP for a web3 integration.
ICANN stated that “A thorough assessment of the potential impact to the security and stability of the Domain Name System (DNS) must be conducted before moving forward with this type of new registry service.”
The group will need to move quickly; applicants have until August 12 to submit top level domain applications, and they’ll want to have some certainty before paying application fees.
It reads as if ICANN could be searching for a way to slow the inevitable. The reality is they have no control over how decentralized naming protocols/systems work. This means their only option involves putting deeper hooks into ICANN-accredited registrars seeking to dance on both sides of the identity lines. (Eg: New compliance guidelines, fines and revoking accreditation status.)
If ICANN goes against its history of being slow to move – and institutes new guidelines with haste – it’ll only be a matter of time before a completely decentralized naming protocol gains mainstream traction. This will make being an ICANN registrar seem far less appealing than it already is. Innovation, evolution and decentralization are the new frontier in domains & identity.
DNS could wind up being just another set of letters if ICANN isn’t reasonable here.
This isn’t about registrars. It’s about registries