Brave Browser Smashes Barriers: First to Integrate Native Blockchain Domains with ’.brave’ Launch
Web3 just got a new gatekeeper—and it’s not Chrome. Brave, the privacy-focused browser, just became the first to natively support blockchain domains with its ’.brave’ extension. No more clunky extensions or third-party wallets—just seamless decentralized browsing.
Why it matters: This isn’t just about replacing .com addresses. It’s a direct shot at Big Tech’s stranglehold on domain ownership. Brave’s move cuts out the middlemen—registrars, ICANN, and the usual rent-seeking parasites of the internet’s old guard.
The cynical take: Wall Street will spin this as ’the new digital real estate gold rush’ while quietly lobbying to regulate it. Too late—the genie’s out of the bottle, and it’s running on Ethereum.
.brave Domains Support Decentralized Websites
.brave domains also support decentralized websites via IPFS, accessible directly within the Brave browser.
“This is more than just a naming system — it’s about giving users control,” said Brave CTO and co-founder Brian Bondy. “.brave is a user-owned identity layer, fully integrated into the Brave ecosystem.”
The new domain system will roll out in version 1.81 of Brave Browser and Brave Wallet, initially through Nightly builds with a full release slated for August.
Despite the appeal, blockchain domains have yet to achieve widespread functionality across traditional internet infrastructure.
Since they operate outside the ICANN-regulated DNS system, they’re not yet universally accessible on all browsers.
Today, Brave becomes the first browser to launch an on-chain top-level domain: introducing .brave, in partnership with @unstoppableweb.
.brave is now available to Brave’s over 85M users, offering a seamless way to own their digital identity, send crypto, and explore Web3. pic.twitter.com/hUuuhiHxsz
However, Brave and Unstoppable Domains are aiming to change that, revealing plans to pursue ICANN registration for the .brave gTLD by 2026. This WOULD allow the domain to work across both Web2 and Web3 environments.
With more than 85 million monthly active users, Brave has carved a space as a privacy-centric browser, though it still commands just 1% of the global browser market.
The .brave domain rollout follows Brave’s integration of the Cardano blockchain into its wallet.
Through a partnership with Input Output, the browser now supports cardano for token management and blockchain access, broadening Brave Wallet’s multi-chain functionality.
Brave also hinted at future integrations with Cardano’s Midnight sidechain, which focuses on privacy and smart contracts.
Midnight could introduce NFT-based access models that mirror free app experiences in Web2, potentially changing how users interact with crypto-powered applications.
Digital Identities to Play Key Role in Future
Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains, told Cryptonews that she sees digital identities playing a crucial role in various sectors, including healthcare.
“Imagine if your healthcare data was stored securely on the blockchain, accessible only with your digital identity,” she said. “This could prevent misdiagnoses and ensure timely access to critical medical information.”
Recently, Unstoppable Domains launched city-specific domains like .austin, which can be used for various purposes, including tokenizing personal documents and memberships.
“You can go online, purchase a domain like rachel.austin, and use it for all sorts of applications, including social media and crypto transactions,” Carter explained.
