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What Are Blockchain Domains? A Beginner’s Guide to Decentralized Web Addresses

What Are Blockchain Domains? A Beginner’s Guide to Decentralized Web Addresses

Most people know how to type “example.com” into a browser to reach a website, but blockchains introduce a new spin on this process. These names may look like domains, but they are in fact Web3 digital identities. 

Instead of relying on a central authority to lease domain names, these decentralized digital identities live on public ledgers, granting true ownership to the individuals who register them. They are unique identifiers in the form of on-chain assets created, owned, and controlled by the user through a decentralized network. 

Understanding Web3 Digital Identities

Blockchain digital identities record ownership details on a shared network rather than a private, centralized registry. When you claim a Web3 digital identity, you hold it like a digital token within your own digital wallet. There’s no external registrar that can suspend or repossess it.

How Blockchain Digital Identities Differ from Traditional Domains

Conventional domain systems depend on a hierarchy overseen by a few root authorities. Under that setup, large organizations can revoke or freeze domains under certain circumstances. Blockchain digital identities circumvent these centralized channels. No single group can step in and strip away your address because the ledger prevents unilateral changes.

How Blockchain Digital Identities Work

Blockchain-based identities utilize specialized naming protocols that interact with smart contracts. These protocols track which on-chain wallet controls each digital identity.

The New Role of Smart Contracts in Identity Ownership

Smart contracts automatically mint and manage each Web3 digital identity registration. Once you complete the purchase, the blockchain itself verifies and confirms you as the rightful owner. Because transfers and updates are handled by code that runs openly on the ledger, there’s little room for hidden activity or tampering.

How Decentralized Naming Systems Resolve Names

Rather than consulting a single DNS server, your browser or compatible extension checks the blockchain to see who holds the domain token. This process bypasses many of the usual middlemen. Not only can it streamline lookups, but it also adds resilience. Even if one server goes offline, other nodes still maintain the domain records.

Benefits of Blockchain Web3 Digital Identities

Though still a developing field, blockchain-based digital identities present extraordinary technical advantages and general value to users. Briefly, Web3 digital identities:

  • Replace a wallet address with human-readable names
  • Are immutable
  • Afford access to Web3 applications

Unique Features of .locker for Secure Digital Identities

my.locker merges the ease of a familiar domain experience with the power of a blockchain-based ID. Each .locker name can serve as a user-friendly address and a self-managed identity token. In short, .locker combines a domain name with a digital identity secured on the Bitcoin blockchain to give you one name for web2 + web3.

You manage your identity from a wallet you control, opening the door to a more user-focused approach to domains and digital presence. 

Want to get started? Claim your digital identity today.

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