Domains are digital identities; by default, everyone has the right to know who they belong to. The protocol that helps you find that information is called WHOIS. It is a public database with essential information about a registered domain, proving vital for domain management.
Whether you want to buy a domain that matches your business name or check if anyone is misusing your trademark, WHOIS is the first step to getting started.
As we transition into the decentralized web, WHOIS becomes more critical. It helps you validate an online transaction, providing you with the whereabouts of a Web3 domain you’re dealing with.
This article explores the significance of WHOIS with respect to domain management, including Web3 domains. We’ll uncover its unique features, benefits, and importance in trademark protection.
When a domain is bought, it is registered in a database so interested parties can see the basic information about the owner. The protocol that stores this information is known as WHOIS. Whenever a new domain is registered, or someone updates their DNS, WHOIS collects it.
WHOIS is controlled by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN offers a Registration Data Lookup Tool or directory that shares information about a specific domain, including the owner’s personal information and some technical information worth sharing.
This domain lookup protocol helps to democratize the internet, ensuring everyone can access it to know who is behind a specific domain. So, in a way, WHOIS is not just a database; it can also help you explore business opportunities.
On the traditional web, WHOIS registration data is stored in multiple locations. Moreover, this data is managed by different registries and registrars.
So, when you lookup for a particular domain, WHOIS collects all the relevant information from these locations and presents it to you. Normally, you get the following information:
Do WHOIS functionalities remain the same in the Web3 context? Let’s find out.
In the traditional webspace, a domain’s ownership and control isn’t solely assigned to its true owner. Registries and registrars share these responsibilities with domain owners. However, in the decentralized web, things work differently.
The decentralized web transfers complete control and ownership to the domain owner. Once the ownership is transferred, a Web3 registrar keeps a record of it. Also, the information about domain registration is stored in blockchain ledgers.
Attributes like decentralization, enhanced security, privacy and transparency impact the role of WHOIS. Primarily, an ideal Web3 WHOIS should be compatible with major blockchain networks to query a maximum number of digital wallets and registries. The purpose is to provide end users with as accurate information as possible.
Moreover, it must provide sufficient information to the domain seekers to:
Additionally, an ideal Web3 WHOIS should be able to tell whether a particular digital wallet is linked to a domain since many cryptocurrency wallets still function independently.
Domains like .crypto, .eth, .freename belong to the Web3 ecosystem. What makes them more significant than traditional domains is that they’re not just website addresses. They are attached to users’ important digital assets, such as crypto wallets, NFT collections, or other assets.
Web3 domains are crucial for your online presence in the decentralized web sphere. Here’s why:
Managing your emails, digital currencies, collaboration tools, and other apps can be hectic. For example, several apps may require you to log in separately by providing a username and password.
Did you know you can use a single name as your universal username, cryptocurrency wallet identifier, website address, and even email address?
A single decentralized domain will be sufficient to manage almost every online activity. It consolidates your digital presence under one recognizable name. This dynamic ability attracts businesses and individuals to adopt the decentralized web at a rapid pace.
Although the Web3 ecosystem is in its initial phase, it still shows an immaculate growth potential.
TLDs like .crypto, .gaming, .eth, and others have become increasingly popular, securing mainstream spots. And it’s not just about novelty; it’s about:
Due to these reasons, the decentralized web has grown by 137% in 2021, garnering trillions of dollars in multiple sectors. But this is just the beginning.
Polaris Market Research report speculates that the global market size of the decentralized web will surpass USD 49 billion by 2032. These stats reflect the importance of Web3 domains for brands’ sustainable future.
If you’re convinced, you should be using Freename’s WHOIS explorer, which will help you find the best Web3 domain for your brand.
Aligned with the requirements of the decentralized web, Freename’s WHOIS Explorer is more than just a domain lookup tool. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution for Web3 domain management, this is your best bet!
Ideally, one would want the WHOIS search tool to furnish detailed information about the domains before buying them. You can utilize Freename Web3 WHOIS to know everything to reach your decision quickly:
The Freename WHOIS lets you quickly verify the ownership of any domain before placing your bid online.
One of the advantages of the Freename WHOIS Explorer is its ability to search Web3 domains linked to a particular blockchain wallet. You can easily verify the wallet owner’s legitimacy. This information will help those involved in:
Freename’s WHOIS Explorer is integrated with popular blockchain networks like Polygon, Aurora, Cronos, BSC, BASE, Solana, etc. It also deals with different Web3 domains, such as Freename domains, ENS (Ethereum Name Service) domains, and Unstoppable Domains.
With Freename WHOIS domain search, you have a massive pool to locate your desired domain or wallet address. How about that for a seamless experience?
WHOIS offers multiple benefits to the users, including security, transparency, and due diligence.
WHOIS enables you to verify domain ownership, helping you build trust in the Web3 space. It helps developers, domain investors, and other Web3 users to learn who owns a domain, ensuring legitimacy.
Web3 domain names carry significant value. So, due diligence is pivotal. With WHOIS, you can determine whether the person claiming a specific domain is the rightful owner.
Sometimes, similarity in domain names can pose a problem for domain owners. You can utilize WHOIS to determine domain names similar to your domain name, especially those potentially threatening.
Considering a massive pool of TLDs and domains, trademark protection in Web3 has become more critical than ever. Unauthorized use of your domain name or logo can lead to multiple issues, such as:
To combat similar domain name threats, think about protecting your Web3 domains. Protected domains bear trademark protection. A trademark protects your brand name from scammers and authorizes you to take legal action against the impersonator.
So, what’s the role of WHOIS in trademark protection? In simple words, WHOIS is your first step to combat trademark-related scams.
WHOIS is primarily a domain lookup protocol controlled by ICANN. It helps find the source behind a specific domain, which is helpful for domain investors, businesses, law enforcement, and others.
Although the Web3 era brings enhanced security, brand integrity, and complete digital autonomy, WHOIS remains vital for managing one’s online presence. For example, the Freename WHOIS is the first ever Web3 WHOIS that ensures legitimacy, transparency, and security.
It lets you manage your Web3 domains linked to your digital assets. It gives you substantial first-hand information about any Web3 domain you want to buy and allows you to protect your brand name from cybersquatting or other trademark-related issues.
You can trust Freename’s WHOIS because it offers all relevant historical data related to any Web3 domain or TLD. Freename WHOIS Explorer is compatible with many popular blockchain networks, hence the most comprehensive domain locator on the market.