Unstoppable Domains Refunds Customers After Not Applying for ICANN’s 2026 Expansion Round
Unstoppable Domains founder Matthew Gould announced on Wednesday that the company did not file applications for its web3 top-level domains in ICANN’s 2026 expansion round. As a result, customers who purchased names under these domains will be refunded.
This decision marks the end of the company’s previous promise that domains like .crypto and .wallet would eventually resolve in ordinary browsers, similar to .com.
Despite indicating six months ago that they would apply for these domains, Gould explained that the cost of taking web3 domains through ICANN was higher than anticipated, leading to the decision to refund customers instead.
ICANN Application Window Closed on Aug. 12
The application window for ICANN opened on April 30 and closed on Aug. 12, with over 1,600 primary applications received. Evaluation fees were due by Aug. 19, and ICANN is expected to announce the date of Reveal Day in mid-September.
Market Size Concerns
Gould justified the decision based on the size of the web3 market, stating that it is smaller and more niche than many perceive. Public numbers from Ethereum Name Service support this claim, showing relatively low registration and renewal fees compared to cumulative fees since its launch in 2019.
Customers Demand Refunds
Customers who purchased Unstoppable Domains are contesting the scope of the refunds, expressing disappointment and feeling betrayed by the company’s decision. Gould reassured customers that the web3 domains will continue to function as onchain assets for crypto transactions.
Unstoppable Domains Continues as ICANN Service Provider
While Unstoppable Domains is not pursuing ICANN applications for certain domains, the company remains involved in the business as a service provider. Gould expressed excitement about working with Telegram on their .gram TLD string and highlighted the company’s support for other web3 companies preparing for the 2026 round.
Overall, the decision not to apply for ICANN’s 2026 expansion round marks a significant shift for Unstoppable Domains and reflects the evolving landscape of the web3 market.