The Future of Naming

A name is more than a label.

We are given names at birth. We use them throughout our lives. They identify us personally, professionally and socially. Over time, our names can carry reputation, history and trust.

Names help distinguish one person, business or idea from another.

The internet is no different.

Online, names help us find websites, services, businesses and increasingly, digital agents.

As artificial intelligence develops, naming may become even more important. AI agents will also need ways to be found, identified and verified as they communicate and interact with people, businesses and other machines.

That raises a simple question:

Who controls the names?

Traditional internet naming largely operates through systems where names are registered and renewed under rules set by others.

Handshake introduces another approach.

It allows top level names to exist on an open, decentralised naming protocol where ownership can be held directly by the user.

That doesn't replace every existing naming system.

It adds another choice.

And as our physical and digital identities become increasingly connected, having more choice over something as fundamental as a name may become increasingly important.

The future of naming isn't only about domains.

It's about identity, recognition and ownership.

Own The Name | Own The Rules | Own The Dot