- Ionos and InternetX partner with D3 to migrate 22 million domains onto a decentralised blockchain registry.
- The move marks one of the largest domain tokenisation efforts ever, transforming domains into tradeable NFTs.
What happened: Web3 domain revolution
Two large German internet companies, Ionos and InternetX, are teaming up with Web3 startup D3 to move 22 million domain names onto a blockchain. They will use D3’s DOMA protocol to do this, turning each domain into a non-fungible token (NFT) — a type of unique digital item stored on a secure online ledger.
By putting domains on the blockchain, this project aims to make them easier to manage, buy, and sell. Owners will be able to control their domains through digital wallets, without needing a middleman. This is part of a wider shift from the traditional internet to a Web3 world where users own more of their online presence. The DOMA protocol supports new tools like safer domain transfers, better privacy, and the ability to connect with decentralised apps. D3 says this move will give people more control over their digital identity.
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Why it’s important
This collaboration represents a major step in bridging traditional internet infrastructure with the decentralised web. By tokenising 22 million domains, Ionos and InternetX are helping to redefine domain ownership and digital identity for the Web3 era. It also provides a blueprint for how legacy internet assets can integrate with emerging blockchain protocols.
In a world where digital identity and decentralised control are increasingly valuable, tokenised domains allow users to prove ownership, transfer assets securely, and build on-chain reputation. This could disrupt existing domain marketplaces and registrars, offering a more transparent, programmable alternative. Moreover, it aligns with growing trends in digital sovereignty, where individuals and organisations demand greater control over their data and assets. As similar projects by firms like Unstoppable Domains gain traction, the Ionos-InternetX initiative reinforces Europe’s position in the Web3 infrastructure race.
