Unstoppable Domains Abandons Plans for .Crypto and .Bitcoin ICANN Recognition

Unstoppable Domains has abandoned plans to apply for ICANN recognition of 14 Web3 domain extensions, including .crypto.bitcoin, and .wallet. The company's CEO, Matthew Gould, stated that their experience showed the Web3 domain market remains relatively small and niche compared with the expectations created during the 2021 crypto and NFT boom.

The decision means these domains will remain primarily blockchain-based assets rather than gaining conventional domain functionality through ICANN. This move also avoids more than $2 million in ICANN application fees, as each new generic top-level domain application requires a $227,000 evaluation fee.

Unstoppable Domains has submitted five applications for .agi.robot.gram.hub, and .xmr, working alongside partners including Telegram. The company is pursuing extensions where the potential market and partnerships justify the cost, while keeping other Web3 domains within blockchain native infrastructure.