Since the Domain Name System (DNS) became an essential component in the functionality of the Internet, there have been multiple attempts at Alternative DNS roots. These alternatives operate on their own root name servers and are therefore not governed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Blockchain, or Web3 technology has the potential to disrupt the everyday use of the Internet.

Georgia Osborn, Senior Research Analyst and Nathan Alan, Director of Engineering have produced an academic paper from a mixed methodology using the DAP.LIVE platform. This study was an initial analysis of the burgeoning growth. It assesses the challenges of blockchain domain names and provides five recommendations to address them. Although many in traditional Internet communities may be hostile or ignore the blockchain alternative for naming and addressing, they argue that a pragmatic response should be adopted.

Even if it is not clear that blockchain domain names solve any problems not currently solved by the DNS, the increase in registrations continues to rise and diverse Internet communities must keep ahead of the trends to understand them and integrate policy implications.

This paper is published in the Journal of Cyber Policy as part of the DNSRF special issue, 'Connecting the dots between the Domain Name System and today's cyber reality.'