Registrars Are the Gateway to Digital Identity

For decades, domain registrars have been the unsung guardians of the internet’s front door. Alongside registries, policy makers, and the ICANN community, registrars have built the infrastructure that powers today’s world. Yet, as the conversation shifts toward Web3, many in the industry are viewing this new frontier with a mix of hesitation and skepticism.

The reality? Web3 isn't a threat to the registrar model. It’s actually a logical extension of it. The leap from connecting a user with their perfect domain name to connecting them with a digital identity is much shorter than it looks. Registrars already possess the trust, the billing systems, and the customer relationships required to bridge the gap. Registrars aren't just the internet’s front door anymore; we are the gateway to the next generation of digital sovereignty.

The Power of the Domain Search

The foundation of every domain registrar’s business is the ability to match users with the right domain name. This skill, perfected over decades, translates directly to the Web3 era. At the end of the day, connecting a user with their perfect digital identity isn’t much different. Digital identities follow the same nomenclature as domain names and we’re seeing similar trends emerge. Individuals are selling premium digital identities and they’re seeking marketplaces. Popular extensions have emerged. It’s all reminiscent of the early days of being a registrar.

Trust and Governance

Name disputes and user protections are familiar territory for ICANN-accredited registrars. Policies, procedures, and frameworks exist to provide fairness, transparency, and recourse for all parties. That’s one of the benefits of ICANN, but that also directly conflicts with the idea of decentralization. Any business would be hesitant to operate in an unregulated space, but in Web3, registrars don’t have to be entirely on their own. Digital identities that are anchored to DNS, like .locker, still benefit from its reliability, authenticity, security, and stability. That means they’re still operating within ICANN’s proven framework, easing hesitations and creating trust. 

User Experience That Works

Registrars have excelled in creating effortless, intuitive user experiences. From name management dashboards to add-on services like website hosting and email, the industry has curated the user journey around domains.

Digital identities are no different. They are the foundation of a Web3 digital wallet, connecting users to everything they do onchain. Registrars can lean on their institutional knowledge to bridge digital identities with wallets, ensuring an easy setup and connection and potentially creating a new revenue stream. As the market evolves, vendors will start seeking out opportunities with registrars to get their digital wallets, apps, and more in front of users from the get-go.

The Path Forward

The domain industry already has the skills, infrastructure, and user trust in place. With Web3 interoperable domains like .locker, registrars can begin to extend their existing expertise to offer digital identities, helping users step confidently into the decentralized web. Registrars are not just participants in the Web3 future- they are perfectly positioned to lead it.