EnCirca Announces Support for Handshake’s Alternative TLDs

Handshake is an experimental peer-to-peer root naming system that allows anyone to create their own top-level domain extension, bypassing ICANN regulation.  

The initial Handshake top-level domains supported by EnCirca are: .JS, .TXT, .API, .BASE, .C, .GIN, .MKE and .ZEN.

EnCirca has partnered with NameBase to enable registration of these new Handshake TLDs without using complicated Blockchain interfaces or paying with crypto-currency.

"Namebase is enabling the next generation of new top-level domain extensions using the Handshake peer-to-peer internet infrastructure," says Thomas Barrett, President of EnCirca.  "With Namebase, anyone can launch their own branded namespace and community using the Handshake infrastructure ."

Adds Tieshun Roquerre, CEO of Namebase, “Encirca is on the forefront of decentralized naming technologies and their quick integration with Handshake TLDs sets them apart as the most comprehensive partner for protecting brand names across the ever-changing naming landscape.”

You can search for and purchase these domains easily at www.encirca.com/handshake.

Note, there is a 30-day trademark Sunrise Period for the Start-up phase of many of these Handshake TLDs.  First-come, first-served registrations during these Sunrise Periods must be an exact match of a registered trademark.

"Brand owners will need to be vigilant in monitoring the launch of these new Handshake-based top-level domains," continues Barrett.  "EnCirca is committed to being the first ICANN Registrar to support defensive registrations for the Handshake new TLDs."

For specific info on each TLD, visit EnCirca’s handshake page at www.encirca.com/handshake. Registration cost varies per TLD, and some premium names cost extra.

More Handshake TLDs will be launching in the coming months.

Handshake is an experimental peer-to-peer root DNS with privacy built in.

Handshake users can launch any domain extension you can think of, including ones with Chinese characters, Russian characters, and even emojis!  Since these domains are based on Blockchain technologies, these domains resolve using special blockchain browser plug-ins.Handshake ensures DNS records can only be modified by a domain’s owner. This ensures Handshake domains can’t be censored or maliciously redirected. Registering a Handshake domain respects the privacy of the owner by requiring no personal data during registration. Ownership of names are determined by public-key cryptography, so it’s easy to verify name owners by having them sign a message with their private key.

Since Handshake domains are considered  experimental and are not regulated by ICANN, brand owners should carefully consider if brand protection makes sense in these new alternative TLDs.

About EnCirca

Founded in Boston in 2001, EnCirca is the industry leader in new top-level domains, including all of the ICANN TLD’s and country-code TLDs.  EnCirca also provides brand protection services in new alternative TLDs based on Blockchain technologies such as Ethereum, Zilliqa and now Handshake.  To learn more, visit www.encirca.com.