Background

Ethereum Name Service

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a distributed, open, and extensible naming system based on the Ethereum blockchain.

ENS’s job is to map human-readable names like ‘alice.eth’ to machine-readable identifiers such as Ethereum addresses, other cryptocurrency addresses, content hashes, and metadata. ENS also supports ‘reverse resolution’, making it possible to associate metadata such as canonical names or interface descriptions with Ethereum addresses.

ENS has similar goals to DNS, the Internet’s Domain Name Service, but has significantly different architecture due to the capabilities and constraints provided by the Ethereum blockchain. Like DNS, ENS operates on a system of dot-separated hierarchical names called domains, with the owner of a domain having full control over subdomains.

Top-level domains, like ‘.eth’ and ‘.test’, are owned by smart contracts called registrars, which specify rules governing the allocation of their subdomains. Anyone may, by following the rules imposed by these registrar contracts, obtain ownership of a domain for their own use. ENS also supports importing in DNS names already owned by the user for use on ENS.

Integrationstwitter

ENS Confirms 2026 Launch for ENSv2 with Enhanced L2 Integration

Fri 6th Feb 2026
**ENS is moving forward with ENSv2 deployment in 2026**, incorporating key improvements to Layer 2 interoperability and user experience. **Key developments:** - ENSv2 will launch this year as planned, with most engineering resources focused on core features - New architecture enables **cross-chain stablecoin purchases** and single-step registration - L2 integration learnings are being applied to simplify multi-chain functionality for end users **Technical improvements:** - Shift from flat registry to **hierarchical system** where each name has its own registry - Enables flexible ownership models and fine-grained permissions - New ENS Explorer provides full transparency across historical data and ENS versions - Redesigned dashboard offers clearer view of names, settings, and activity **User impact:** - Upgrading to ENSv2 will be simpler than previous migrations - System remains built on Ethereum's decentralized foundation - Enhanced multi-chain support while maintaining backwards compatibility The update represents a significant architectural evolution while preserving ENS's core commitment to decentralization and user control.

🚀 ENS App and Explorer Enter Public Alpha Testing

Fri 6th Feb 2026
The Ethereum Name Service has launched public alpha versions of two new platforms: - **ENS App** ([app.ens.dev](http://app.ens.dev)): Streamlined interface for everyday users to register names and manage their web3 identity - **ENS Explorer** ([explorer.ens.dev](http://explorer.ens.dev)): Advanced tool for ecosystem builders requiring precise ownership controls These platforms represent ENS's evolution from simple address replacement to comprehensive identity infrastructure for web3. Both tools will officially launch alongside ENSv2. The team conducted in-person user testing at Devconnect in Buenos Aires and is continuing to gather feedback during the alpha phase. **Try the alpha versions today** and help shape the future of web3 identity management.
Community article

ENS Commits to Ethereum-Only Deployment for Version 2 Upgrade

Fri 6th Feb 2026
**ENS Doubles Down on Ethereum** The Ethereum Name Service has announced that ENSv2 will deploy exclusively on Ethereum, rejecting multi-chain expansion. **Key Points:** - ENSv2 will remain solely on Ethereum's mainnet - The upgrade process for existing names will be simplified compared to previous versions - ENS cites Ethereum's decentralization and security as core reasons for the decision - No plans for deployment on Layer 2s or alternative chains This decision reinforces ENS's commitment to building on what they consider the most secure and decentralized blockchain infrastructure available. The team emphasizes that the upgrade path will be more straightforward for users than past transitions. [Read the full announcement](https://ens.domains/blog/post/ens-staying-on-ethereum)

ENS App Now Includes Built-in Expiration Notifications

Fri 6th Feb 2026
The ENS Manager app has introduced a highly anticipated feature: **built-in expiration notifications**. **Key Features:** - Set up reminders through multiple channels: email, Telegram, or browser notifications - Never lose your ENS domain to accidental expiry - Notifications work directly within the app at [app.ens.domains](http://app.ens.domains) **Additional Context:** This builds on existing ENS Manager features, including the ability to register and extend names by selecting exact expiration dates for more precise domain control. The notification system addresses a common pain point for ENS users who may forget renewal dates and risk losing valuable domain names.

ENS Prepares for v2 Launch with Universal Resolver Updates

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**ENS is gearing up for its v2 launch** by requiring developers to update their libraries and applications. Key requirements for ENSv2 readiness: - Update ENS libraries to latest versions - Ensure apps resolve names via **CCIP-Read protocol** - Verify **L2 compatibility** for name resolution - Implement Universal Resolver support The Universal Resolver serves as the foundation for ENSv2, enabling cross-chain name resolution and improved functionality. **Why this matters:** ENSv2 represents a significant upgrade to Ethereum's naming infrastructure, expanding beyond simple address mapping to comprehensive web3 identity management. Developers should review the [ENSv2 readiness documentation](https://docs.ens.domains/web/ensv2-readiness/) and test their applications now to ensure seamless transition. *Action needed: Update your ENS integrations before the v2 launch to avoid service disruptions.*

ENS Expands Beyond Personal Names to Smart Contract Identification

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**ENS is evolving beyond personal naming** to include smart contract identification, making decentralized organizations safer and more user-friendly. **Key developments:** - DAOs can now name their smart contracts using ENS - Makes contracts more **legible and easier to integrate** - Enhances both **user experience and security** for Ethereum users **Leading the charge:** - @nounsdao pioneering contract naming adoption - @enscribe_ developing tools for easy contract naming - ENS_DAO supporting "Contract Naming Season" initiative This expansion transforms how users interact with smart contracts by replacing complex addresses with human-readable names, similar to how ENS already works for wallet addresses.
Community article

ENS Emerges as Essential Identity Infrastructure After Devcon Argentina

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**ENS becomes core Ethereum infrastructure** following Devcon Argentina 2025. Key developments: - **Onchain identity now essential** for Ethereum ecosystem - Builders adopting ENS across **agents, L2s, and dApps** - ENS serving as **primary naming layer** for real-world events - Meeting growing demand for **decentralized identities** and websites The consensus from Buenos Aires is clear: ENS has evolved from optional to **fundamental infrastructure** for Ethereum's next phase of growth.

🏗️ ENS Community Builders Gather

Mon 15th Dec 2025
ENS showcased its **community-driven ecosystem** at a recent event, with multiple working groups hosting office hours at their booth. Key participants included: - ENS DAO working groups - zkEmail and Unruggable projects - Namespace and Enscribe platforms - Filecoin and Namehash Labs - Blockful and JustAName services - ENS Labs DevRel team The **bustling booth** highlighted ENS's strength through its diverse builder community, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the Ethereum naming ecosystem. *ENS continues to prove that decentralized infrastructure thrives on community participation and developer engagement.*
Community article

ENS Labs Partners with Nethermind for Namechain ZK Rollup Development

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**ENS Labs has partnered with Nethermind** to build Namechain, their upcoming ZK rollup solution for scaling Ethereum naming services. **Key Partnership Details:** - Namechain will run on **Nethermind Surge**, built on Taiko's infrastructure - Teams aligned on performance optimization and developer experience - Focus on future collaboration around **onchain identity** solutions **Technical Foundation:** - Namechain will launch as a **based rollup** using Ethereum's own sequencing - Designed to provide affordable subname registrations with thousands of TPS - Will inherit Ethereum's security model while reducing gas costs **Strategic Vision:** - ENS is joining FABRIC to standardize rollup interoperability - Working toward shared liquidity across L2s (1 ETH = 1 ETH across chains) - Planning transition to native rollup when Ethereum infrastructure matures This partnership positions ENS to scale naming services efficiently while maintaining decentralization and security standards.
Community article

🤖 AI Agents Get Blockchain Identity Standards

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**ERC-8004 and x402** are emerging as key standards for AI agent identity and payments on blockchain networks. - **Autonomous agents** need onchain identity, attribution, and payment systems to operate trustlessly - **ENS positioning** itself as the natural fit for agent identity infrastructure - **Industry panel** featured MetaMaskAI, Nethermind, Flashbots, and Ethereum Foundation discussing trust mechanisms The standards extend Google's Agent2Agent protocol with **blockchain-based identity, reputation, and validation** capabilities. **Key challenge**: How do AI agents discover each other and establish trust in decentralized environments? **Solution approach**: Onchain identity systems that enable coordinated intelligence on Ethereum rails. This represents a significant step toward **trustless AI coordination** where agents can interact autonomously while maintaining verifiable identities and secure payment channels.
Community article
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