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

🌩️ Cloudflare chaos sparks decentralized demo

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**Cloudflare outage hits Devconnect** A major Cloudflare outage disrupted Day 2 of this year's Devconnect conference, highlighting the web's centralization risks. **Decentralized solution showcased** @schmidsi used the disruption as a teaching moment, live-demoing how to build resilient infrastructure using: - **ENS** for domain management - **Filecoin Onchain Cloud** for storage - **Safe** for security The demo showed how these tools create a **simple deployment pipeline** for publishing websites and apps without relying on centralized services. **Web3's centralization challenge** The incident underscores that even Web3 projects remain vulnerable to centralized service failures, making decentralized alternatives increasingly important for true resilience.

🎪 Devconnect Attendees Get worldfair.eth Subnames

Mon 15th Dec 2025
**Devconnect Buenos Aires** introduced a new feature for attendees - **worldfair.eth subnames** distributed through the official event app. **Key Features:** - Personalized avatars and addresses - Social metadata integration - Available to all event participants **Future Plans:** The Ethereum Foundation plans to **iterate and expand** this naming system for upcoming Ethereum events. This marks the first implementation of event-specific ENS subnames at a major Ethereum conference, potentially setting a **new standard** for digital identity at blockchain gatherings. *Learn more about the initiative on the [EF Devcon Twitter](https://x.com/EFDevcon/status/1989475906604454047)*
Community article

🔒 ENS Dodges Supply Chain Attack

Thu 27th Nov 2025
**ENS Labs successfully contained a supply chain attack** that targeted npm packages starting with @ensdomains on November 24. **Key findings:** - All compromised package versions were removed with **zero downloads** - Malicious script came from external PostHog dependency, not ENS core code - Attack was part of larger Shai Hulud malware campaign affecting 400+ npm libraries **Impact assessment:** - ENS websites including [app.ens.domains](http://app.ens.domains) remained unaffected - No evidence of compromised ENS names - Development environment was isolated immediately **Response measures:** - All publishing credentials rotated - Repository and deployment security strengthened - Affected packages unpublished and latest versions restored Developers who installed ENS packages after 5:49am UTC on November 24 should check the [affected packages list](https://go.ens.xyz/npm-attack) and update to latest versions.

🌐 ENS Prepares for ICANN's April 2026 gTLD Expansion

Thu 13th Nov 2025
**ICANN's new generic Top-Level Domain round opens April 2026**, marking a significant expansion of internet naming infrastructure. **ENS is actively preparing** for this development through three key strategies: - **Brand protection** initiatives to safeguard ENS identity - **Registry partnerships** to expand integration opportunities - **Feature enhancement** to bring more ENS capabilities to traditional domains This preparation builds on ENS's existing work bridging Web2 and Web3 naming systems. The service already allows traditional DNS domains (.com, .org) to function as ENS names through integrations like GoDaddy. **The expansion represents** a major evolution in internet naming infrastructure, potentially creating new opportunities for blockchain-based naming services. Read ENS's full preparation strategy: [ens.domains/blog/post/icann-84-gtld](https://ens.domains/blog/post/icann-84-gtld)

ENS App Now Available in Spanish

Thu 13th Feb 2025
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) app has expanded its language support to include Spanish, marking a significant step in global accessibility. This update follows Uniswap's recent multilingual expansion, which now supports seven languages and 18+ currencies. Key updates: - Full Spanish language interface - Available for immediate download - Part of broader Web3 localization efforts Users can access the Spanish version through the standard ENS app interface.
Community article

Vitalik Buterin Emphasizes ENS as Infrastructure at frENSday, PayPal Integration Revealed

Mon 20th Jan 2025
At the recent frENSday event, two significant developments emerged: - Vitalik Buterin emphasized ENS's role as fundamental infrastructure rather than just an application - PayPal/Venmo representative revealed plans for ENS integration, connecting .eth names with traditional payment addresses This follows PayPal and Venmo's official integration of ENS earlier this year, which brought ENS capabilities to millions of users. The ecosystem has grown to include over 11 million cb.id registrations. *Want to learn more about frENSday?* Visit their website for event details and ticket information.

Ubisoft Integrates Onchain Identities in Captain Laserhawk Universe

Thu 26th Dec 2024
Ubisoft is taking a significant step in gaming identity management with its Captain Laserhawk Universe. The game will move away from traditional usernames and gamertags, instead implementing blockchain-based player identities. - Players will have verifiable onchain identities - Integration marks shift from anonymous gaming handles - Part of broader NFT initiative for Captain Laserhawk shooter This approach aims to create more authentic player experiences and ownership within the game ecosystem.

Google Integrates ENS, Enabling .eth Domain Searches

Tue 15th Oct 2024
**Key ENS Ecosystem Updates:** - Google officially integrated ENS, allowing direct .eth name searches and balance checks in Google Search - ENS Radio featured @ArianeeProject, discussing tokenized digital product passports - Over 450,000 Basenames now registered - $5,000 offered for ENS-based projects at @ETHRome hackathon - @EFDevcon's website fully decentralized using Swarm and ENS - @ENS_DAO shared weekly roundup and Newsletter #71 **Get involved:** Check out the latest developments and stay tuned for more updates from the ENS ecosystem!
Community article

Google Integrates ENS Domains into Search

Thu 10th Oct 2024
Google has officially integrated ENS Domains into its search capabilities, allowing users to search for any .eth name directly on Google and view associated wallet balances. This integration marks a significant step in bringing blockchain accessibility to the mainstream. To use this feature: 1. Open Google Search 2. Type any .eth domain name (e.g., vitalik.eth) 3. View the search results displaying Ethereum wallet balance and blockchain data The feature pulls balance and transaction details from Etherscan, simplifying the process of checking balances without visiting external sites. **Note**: Some users may have noticed this integration a few months ago, but it is now live for everyone.

Onchain Halloween Arrives with Spooky.box Domains

Mon 7th Oct 2024
**Onchain Halloween** has arrived, bringing a spooky twist to the digital realm. Users are encouraged to explore their **http://spooky.box** domains, which offer a unique blend of functionality: - All spooky boxes can serve as both **ENS** (Ethereum Name Service) and **DNS** (Domain Name System) domains - This dual functionality enhances the versatility of these Halloween-themed digital assets The event seems to be ongoing, with repeated announcements to engage users and maintain excitement. Participants can expect a mix of blockchain technology and festive Halloween elements in this digital celebration.
Community article
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