Securing Generic Top-Level Domains for the Cardano Ecosystem
199 DReps voted · 79 with a rationale · 6 changed their vote
Open a row to read the rationale.
- Yes584.2M ₳Rationale
Summary
Yoroi DRep votes YES to support this Info action by Cardano Foundation to secure the .ada and .cardano top-level domains (gTLDs).Rationale
Yoroi appreciates the Cardano Foundation’s initiative in taking proactive steps to protect and strengthen Cardano’s digital identity. This proposal represents a practical and forward-looking move that benefits the entire ecosystem.Protecting Cardano’s Digital Identity:
Securing the .ada and .cardano domains ensures that Cardano’s name and brand are protected from misuse or external control, reinforcing trust and long-term credibility across the ecosystem.Ecosystem Benefit:
Cardano Foundation’s decision to fund this initiative using its own resources demonstrates accountability and stewardship. This approach safeguards community resources while still delivering an ecosystem-wide benefit.Conclusion
Yoroi DRep votes YES with confidence and appreciation for this responsible, community-minded initiative. The action protects Cardano’s brand, strengthens its digital footprint, and sets a positive precedent for proactive, transparent governance decisions that serve the ecosystem’s long-term interests. - Yes435.8M ₳Rationale
The acquisition of .ada and .cardano is in the best interests of the Cardano ecosystem, and will be funded by the Cardano Foundation itself. There is no merit to voting NO or Abstain.
.adaおよび.cardanoの取得は、Cardanoエコシステムの利益と一致します。また、この資金はCF自身により拠出されます。NOやAbstainに投票するメリットは見当たりません。
- Yes332.2M ₳No rationale
- Yes293M ₳Rationale
EMURGO recognizes this as a critical, forward-looking investment in Cardano's brand integrity and digital sovereignty. Acquiring .ada and .cardano generic top-level domains proactively safeguards our ecosystem's identity from misuse and establishes a trusted foundation for future growth.
The fact that the Cardano Foundation is fully funding this initiative demonstrates strong alignment with its core mission and delivers immense strategic value to the entire community at absolutely no cost to the treasury. This is a prudent and necessary step.
Conclusion:
EMURGO as a DRep votes YES, fully supporting this initiative to secure vital digital assets that are inherently linked to our identity and future.
- Yes222.9M ₳Rationale
TL;DR: EDC voted YES on gov_action15dh2lt4qskmhl97vat8s0l552ruvddrlasa0jndg7lg43g0uju3qq78hvja;
Sure, go ahead. But consider that this could be a net loss on your balance sheet, if either demand for the domains isn't high or the price tag for individual domains is too steep.
- Yes165.7M ₳No rationale
- Yes120.2M ₳Rationale
The Cardano Foundation, as a DRep, votes YES on this info action. As the proposer, we are adding our vote to the rest of the community's to show support for this strategic, self-funded initiative. Securing the .ada and .cardano gTLDs is a great opportunity for the entire ecosystem.
A PDF version of this rationale is also made available.
This info action, submitted by the Cardano Foundation, serves a clear purpose: to gauge on-chain community sentiment and gather a formal record of support for a potential ICANN application for the .ada and .cardano gTLDs.
Our decision to vote "YES" on our own proposal is based on the following:
- Our Role as a Community DRep: The purpose of this info action is to measure community support. As a DRep, the Cardano Foundation represents not only its own organizational stance but also the will of the community members delegating their ada to our DRep. We are a part of the community, and we are voting for this strategic initiative on behalf of our delegators as we believe it would be a positive course of action.
- No Cost to the Treasury: This is not a request for treasury funds. The Cardano Foundation has committed to using its own financial resources for the entire ICANN application and management process. This info action is purely a request for community endorsement, making it a simple and high-value proposition for ada holders to support.
- Strategic Importance: Securing the .ada and .cardano gTLDs is a rare, time-sensitive opportunity that aligns with the upcoming ICANN application window in Q1 2026. These gTLDs are vital for the ecosystem's long-term brand protection, digital identity, and ability to foster Web2-to-Web3 innovations.
- Commitment to Community Governance: The Cardano Foundation, as a non-profit dedicated to the development of Cardano as a public digital infrastructure, is the right long-term steward for this project. The proposal's plan to establish a dedicated Community Advisory Group to guide the gTLDs' development ensures this project will be managed in the ecosystem's best interest.
The Cardano Foundation, as a DRep, votes YES. It is a clear, non-controversial step toward strengthening Cardano’s digital infrastructure without drawing on treasury resources. We invite the community to join us in supporting this important initiative.
NOTE on 'Internal Voting':
The fields constitutional and unconstitutional below reflect the CF governance teams' individual opinions whether they are for or against the proposal. Reason for this inconsistency is, that CIP-136 is at the moment only applicable to CC rationales, but we want to record the internal opinions of our DRep assessment transparently as well. - Yes92.2M ₳No rationale
- Yes91.5M ₳Rationale
As a DRep, I decided to vote YES for the Securing Generic Top-Level Domains for the Cardano Ecosystem proposal.
A PDF version of this rationale is also made available.
Securing “.ada” and “.cardano” prevents other parties from registering those top-level domains, thereby reducing phishing risks, brand dilution, and confusion.
A verified .cardano TLD could help users visually identify trusted services at a glance. If the Cardano Foundation (CF) strictly controls who can register under ".cardano" or ".ada", then users can reasonably assume that "myapp.cardano" or "wallet.ada" is officially connected to the Cardano ecosystem.
This is similar to ".gov", ".edu", or ".bank" — restricted domains that communicate legitimacy because registration is verified and centrally governed.
Having ecosystem-specific domains enables use cases such as human-readable wallet addresses (e.g., “yourname.ada”) and domain tokenisation, as well as decentralized identity integrations.
These domains should be owned by the Cardano community. Only legally established entities can claim ownership of these domains, so it is necessary that one of the founding entities, such as CF, technically owns the domains.
I assume that the costs of securing the domains will be covered by Genesis coins. This is a desirable use of resources. I appreciate that CF is seeking DReps' approval for this operation. I also appreciate that CF is not seeking ADA from the Treasury and is committed to covering the annual operating costs associated with maintaining the domains in the estimated amount of $350,000.
CF owns the Cardano brand, so it is a suitable entity to manage the domains.
CF becomes the registry operator, meaning it controls all second-level domains. CF has not yet given a detailed plan for subdomain access or policy.
In the proposal, CF promises to establish a Community Advisory Group (CAG) to define policies and oversee responsible operation. Unfortunately, it is not defined how many members the committee will have, what their composition will be, whether DReps will participate in the decision-making, and who will have the final say (whether CF or CAG).
It should also be clarified whether it will be necessary to pay for obtaining a subdomain and what the potential revenue streams will be. Furthermore, how the profit will be used.
I believe in the good intentions of the Cardano Foundation regarding the management of top-level domains. They were the first to take the initiative, and they want to manage the domains and will even cover the costs associated with the acquisition and operation of the domains. I support this initiative.
- Yes88.6M ₳Rationale
I support this proposal as it will improve the Cardano brand.
- Yes86M ₳Rationale
SIPO votes YES on this proposal.
I see this initiative by the Cardano Foundation to secure the .cardano and .ada generic top-level domains (gTLDs) as a meaningful and strategic step toward strengthening Cardano’s digital sovereignty and global presence.
From SIPO’s perspective, this proposal beautifully aligns with Cardano’s founding values of trust, transparency, and institutional integrity—principles that have guided the ecosystem since its inception.
Why SIPO supports this proposal
In today’s digital world, controlling one’s namespace is as fundamental as owning a nation’s domain (.jp, .us).
By registering .cardano and .ada under ICANN, the Cardano Foundation will ensure that our ecosystem has a secure, officially recognized digital identity—protecting it from impersonation, fraud, and misrepresentation.This is not just about brand protection.
It’s about positioning Cardano as a reliable, institutionally integrated blockchain, capable of bridging the traditional Web2 world with Web3 innovations.
The Foundation’s decision to fund this initiative entirely from its own financial resources—without drawing from the community treasury—makes this proposal both low-risk and high-impact.Strategic significance (SIPO’s view)
Short-term:
Securing .cardano and .ada gTLDs protects the Cardano brand from misuse and establishes a trusted namespace for official ecosystem entities, DApps, and projects.Mid-term:
These domains can evolve into gateways for DID (Decentralized Identity) integration—enabling individuals, companies, and even municipalities to connect their digital identities to Cardano through verified domain-based trust layers.
Projects like Veridian and collaborations such as Chainlink ACE could directly benefit from this foundational infrastructure.Long-term:
In the future, .cardano could become the foundation of a decentralized DNS (dDNS) layer—bridging Web2 and Web3 through Cardano’s unique governance and consensus mechanisms.
It represents an Internet-level unification of blockchain identity, policy, and governance under one interoperable trust system.Addressing possible concerns
Some may argue that ICANN registration introduces a centralized element.
However, SIPO views this as a hybrid institutional approach—one that complements Cardano’s decentralized ethos with real-world recognition and regulatory compatibility.Moreover, the Cardano Foundation’s commitment to:
• Publish transparent operation data, and
• Establish a Community Advisory Groupensures accountability and community oversight throughout the process.
Broader implications
This proposal marks an important milestone in Cardano’s “Constitutional Era.”
By securing its namespace at the highest level of the Internet infrastructure, Cardano takes a step closer to becoming a globally trusted digital institution—an ecosystem that not only runs decentralized finance and identity, but also embodies the principles of legitimacy and public trust.SIPO believes this initiative will:
• Strengthen Cardano’s brand protection and credibility
• Enhance ecosystem interoperability
• Support global adoption through recognized institutional frameworksand, most importantly, demonstrate that Cardano stands for trust, transparency, and responsible governance.
Final stance
SIPO votes YES
Because this proposal isn’t just about domains—it’s about Cardano claiming its rightful place in the fabric of the Internet itself.A blockchain that aims to serve governments, institutions, and communities must also anchor itself in the digital systems those actors trust.
.cardano and .ada are not vanity names—they are the next foundation for a verifiable, interoperable, and future-proof Web3 identity ecosystem.SIPO proudly supports this initiative.
⸻
SIPOはこの提案に対して 賛成（YES） の立場を取ります。
カルダノ財団が .cardano と .ada のジェネリックトップレベルドメイン（gTLD）を確保しようとしているこの提案は、
カルダノの「デジタル主権」と「グローバルな存在感」を確立するうえで、非常に象徴的かつ戦略的な一歩だと考えています。SIPOは、この動きがカルダノが掲げる 信頼（Trust）・透明性（Transparency）・制度的整合性（Institutional Integrity） の価値観と完全に一致していると感じています。
SIPOがこの提案を支持する理由
現代のインターネットでは、「名前空間の主権を持つ」ことは、国家が自国ドメイン（.jp や .us）を持つのと同じくらい重要です。
.cardano と .ada をICANNの正式なgTLDとして登録することは、カルダノが公式なデジタルIDを確立し、
詐欺やなりすましからエコシステムを守るための基盤を築くことにつながります。単なるブランド防衛にとどまらず、
Web2とWeb3の橋渡しを行う「制度的に信頼されたブロックチェーン」として、カルダノを次の段階へ導くものです。さらに、この取り組みはカルダノ財団の自己資金によって実施され、トレジャリー資金を使わない点でも、コミュニティにとってリスクの少ない前向きな提案です。
SIPOの戦略的評価
短期的意義（ブランド防衛）
.cardano と .ada の取得により、カルダノブランドの信頼性を守り、公式プロジェクトやDAppのための安全なドメイン空間を確保できます。中期的意義（DID統合基盤）
これらのドメインは、将来的に 分散型ID（DID） と統合されることで、
個人・企業・自治体が「ドメインを通じて信頼を証明する」Web3インフラとして機能します。
Cardano Foundationの「Veridian」や、Chainlinkの「ACE」といった提携領域でも、この基盤が大きく活かされます。長期的意義（インターネット層統合）
将来的には .cardano が 分散型DNS（dDNS） として機能し、
Web2とWeb3をカルダノのガバナンス層を通じて統合する未来も見えます。
これは、ブロックチェーンの制度的信頼と技術的分散性を結びつける新たなモデルです。懸念への対応
ICANNとの契約が「中央集権的ではないか」という指摘もありますが、
SIPOはこれを制度的信頼と分散性を両立させるハイブリッド型アプローチと捉えています。財団はすでに以下を明言しています：
• ドメイン運営データを定期的に公開すること
• コミュニティ諮問グループ（Community Advisory Group） を設置することこれにより、透明性とコミュニティの監視体制が確保される点を高く評価します。
広い文脈での意義
この提案は、カルダノが進む「憲法期（Constitutional Era）」における重要な制度整備の一例です。
カルダノがインターネット基盤そのものにおいて、自らの名前空間を確保することは、
“公共としてのブロックチェーン” を世界に示すシンボリックな行動だとSIPOは考えています。この取り組みにより：
• カルダノのブランド信頼性が高まり
• エコシステム全体の相互運用性が向上し
• 公的機関・企業・市民が安心して接続できる“制度的Web3”が構築されると確信しています。
最終コメント
SIPOはYESを投票します。
この提案は単なるドメイン取得ではなく、
カルダノがインターネットそのものの中で、自らの信頼構造を確立するための第一歩 だと考えています。政府・企業・自治体と共に歩むブロックチェーンであるために、カルダノは現実社会の制度的枠組みとも接続する必要があります。
.cardano と .ada はそのための新しい「信頼の入口」なのです。SIPOはこの取り組みを強く支持します。
- Yes84.3M ₳Rationale
See X.com post of the same date related to this vote.
- Abstain76.8M ₳Rationale
Don't care either way.
- Yes75.2M ₳No rationale
- Yes74.5M ₳Rationale
I vote YES.
Securing .ada and .cardano is an important step for Cardano’s digital presence and future.With community oversight and transparent operational rules, I would feel fully confident moving forward.
YES, with that expectation.僕は YES に投票します。
.ada と .cardano の取得は、Cardano の存在感と将来にとって重要な一歩です。また、コミュニティによる監督と透明な運用ルールが整えば、より安心して前に進めると考えています。期待を込めて YES です。
- Yes69.4M ₳No rationale
- Yes66M ₳Rationale
Makes sense to avoid additional costs later
- YesChanged62.7M ₳Rationale
Had a good chat with Chris Gianelloni from Blink Labs about the tech and its impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKXSGNxO7SQ
Since this isn't and won't be a treasury withdrawal, I say yes to this proposal.
It makes no sense to say no to this.
Earlier votes
Abstain9mo agoSuperseded
Unsure at this point. I will change my vote once I have more information.
- Yes53.8M ₳No rationale
- No50.4M ₳Rationale
I am voting No on the “Top‑Level Domains for Cardano Ecosystem” Governance Action. I acknowledge the potential benefit of Cardano having its own domain namespace, and I agree that the Cardano Foundation could be a suitable organization to manage such a system. However, this initiative does not represent a strategically significant, emerging, or essential investment at this stage that justifies allocating a dynamic budget of this scale. Currently, Cardano’s ecosystem is falling behind Ethereum and Solana in terms of user growth and activity. The likely use of such TLDs would be limited to a small portion of the existing community, making the impact minimal. Moreover, community members may face unnecessary costs — for example, pressure to switch or register new domains despite already operating functional websites. Additionally, if TLDs are introduced without strong governance or identity verification, high-profile community names may be preemptively registered by third parties. This could lead to impersonation or scam risks, especially if original creators are unable to secure their own domain identities. At a time when core infrastructure and user-facing utility still require funding and development, it is more prudent to direct resources to fundamental needs rather than optional branding initiatives. That said, I recognize the need to protect critical namespace assets such as “.ada” or “.cardano” from misuse or squatting. However, such defensive measures could be considered separately and more efficiently, without requiring full deployment of a high-budget TLD management system at this time. --[Japanese translation follows]-- 「カルダノエコシステムにおけるトップレベルドメイン導入」ガバナンスアクションに対して、私は「反対票（No）」を投じます。カルダノが独自のドメイン空間を持つことには一定の利点があり、Cardano Foundationがその運用組織として適任である可能性も認めます。しかし、現時点ではこのような取り組みに多額のダイナミック予算を投入する意義は乏しく、戦略的・緊急的・本質的な投資とは言えません。現在、カルダノはEthereumやSolanaに比べてユーザー数や開発活性で大きな差をつけられており、こうしたTLDの利用者はごく一部の既存コミュニティに限られる可能性があります。また、既存のウェブサイトを持つメンバーにとっては、ドメインを切り替える必要が生じるなど不要なコストが発生しうる点も問題です。さらに、十分なガバナンスや本人確認の仕組みがないまま導入された場合、影響力のある名前を第三者が先取りする事態も想定されます。これは、元の創設者が取得できなかった際に詐欺的な悪用リスクを引き起こす可能性も含んでいます。エコシステムの成長に必要なコアインフラやユーザーユーティリティへの投資が依然として求められている中で、このようなブランディング的な施策に資金を割くのは、優先順位として適切ではないと考えます。なお、「.ada」や「.cardano」など重要な名称空間の保護は必要であるという認識はあります。ただし、こうした防衛的施策は、現段階で高額なTLD管理体制を全面的に展開することなく、より効率的に別途検討される余地があると考えます。
- Yes50M ₳Rationale
I believe that the existence of the .ada and .cardano domains fully serves the interests of the Cardano ecosystem. I found no reason to vote No or Abstain, so I'm voting Yes.
- Yes49.5M ₳No rationale
- No48.6M ₳Rationale
While this is potentially useful and we appreciate the fact that CF is consulting DRep even if they are not required to.
However Cardano ecosystem is in dire need to support developer ecosystem, RWA and DeFi so CF should spend every single resource working on those to save Cardano from dying a slow death. - Yes47.6M ₳No rationale
- Yes42.9M ₳No rationale
- Yes40.1M ₳Rationale
As an advisor on this, my vote is yes.
- Yes38.1M ₳Rationale
Fully support this proposal.
Registering .ada and .cardano domains will help bridge blockchain technology with real-world internet applications, strengthening the connection between Web2 and Web3 and promoting broader Web3 adoption. - No37.8M ₳No rationale
- Yes34.6M ₳No rationale
- Yes34.3M ₳Rationale
We voted in favor of this proposal. Securing the .ada and .cardano domains will help protect Cardano’s brand identity, improve discoverability, and ensure trusted representation of the ecosystem on the internet.
- YesChanged33.5M ₳Rationale
Earlier votes
Abstain9mo agoSuperseded
Abstaining until after meeting with CF for more details happening on october 27th
A PDF version of this rationale is also made available.
Abstaining until after meeting with CF for more details happening on october 27th
- Yes31.4M ₳Rationale
Further enhance Cardano's reliability and recognition.
- Yes30.7M ₳No rationale
- Yes27.9M ₳Rationale
The fact that the Cardano Foundation is willing to pay for these domains out of their own pocket instead of asking for treasury funds to do so is a big win for the community. The only tradeoff I see here is that it would be nice for the community to somehow eventually have ownership of these domains. Nonetheless, this proposal is an easy YES for me.
- Yes27.9M ₳No rationale
- Yes26.3M ₳No rationale
- Yes25.3M ₳Rationale
I am voting YES because this is an important component to enabling strategic marketing efficiency.
- Yes23.5M ₳Rationale
It's always DNS.
- Yes21.5M ₳No rationale
- Yes21.5M ₳Rationale
I vote YES on the info action “Securing Generic Top-Level Domains for the Cardano Ecosystem” and submit this rationale for both SPO and DRep votes. Both roles are allowed to vote on info actions and in this particular instance community sentiment has been requested from both by the Cardano Foundation.
I support the proposed move to secure generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) for the Cardano ecosystem. This rationale will outline the importance and priority of this proposal and remind anyone reading it why this proposal has been submitted for feedback.
The last gTLD application window opened in 2012 when the application window ran from 12 January 2012, until 12 April 2012, although a system glitch led to a temporary shutdown and a subsequent re-opening of the application system until 30 May 2012. During which time over 1,900 applications were received.
This will be the first time in the “crypto era” that an application window has been opened and I respect the proposal to pursue securing gTLDs for the Cardano ecosystem. It is highly likely that there will be a proliferation of applications from crypto companies and projects and we will likely see “.btc”, “.eth”, “.xrp”, “.sol”, etc, etc applications being made. It has been 13 years since the last application window and who knows how long it could be until the next one. Therefore, there is a sense of urgency here or we risk missing out and potentially finding ourselves in a situation 2-5 years down the line asking, “why don’t we have “.ada” domains like other protocols and projects?”. Too often we lament that the Cardano ecosystem is left out or missed out on new developments that the wider crypto space capitalised on, let’s not let this become another. I am happy to see the Cardano Foundation and their external advisors who are taking the initiative on this now. You can guarantee that if they didn’t, it would be yet another thing added to the list that this community likes to hold up as having been the CF’s responsibility but not taken, which is why I find the few “CF should be doing other things” responses that I have seen so far somewhat baffling.
It's okay to suggest that Intersect should be the stewards of any Cardano gTLD instead of the Cardano Foundation but you have to ask yourself who has put the work in already, what happens if Intersect doesn’t secure funding in 2-5 years’ time, who then takes over stewardship and how? As for concerns over the gatekeeping of address registrations, it is my understanding that registries that operate and maintain a specific gTLD are still regulated by ICANN.
Finally, for those asking why the info action is even necessary here. The info action was originally meant for the very purpose of collecting community feedback and sentiment on-chain, it has been somewhat forgotten about with so many budget info actions being submitted in 2025. It is also my understanding that the feedback from this info action will be used as part of the application process to show ICANN the level of community support and demand for securing gTLDs such a “.ada” and “.cardano”. It is also worth reiterating that this is an info action and not a budget info action and that the Cardano Foundation has stated that this is an initiative for which they are funding themselves.
- YesRevoted21.4M ₳History
Earlier votes
Yes8mo agoSuperseded
Yes8mo agoSuperseded
- Yes20.4M ₳No rationale
- Yes20.3M ₳No rationale
- Yes19.9M ₳Rationale
Love this idea!
- No17.4M ₳No rationale
- Abstain17.3M ₳No rationale
- Yes16.7M ₳Rationale
Securing the .ada and .cardano generic top-level domains (gTLDs) strengthens Cardano’s global identity and digital infrastructure. It protects critical naming assets from third-party control, ensures long-term brand integrity, and opens new possibilities for ecosystem-wide innovation — including verifiable Web3 integrations, decentralized identity, and trusted domain-based services.
As this initiative is funded entirely by the Cardano Foundation and does not draw from the treasury, it poses no financial risk to the community. The proposed Community Advisory Group and public reporting commitment further align with decentralization and transparency principles.
- Yes16.4M ₳No rationale
- Abstain13.3M ₳Rationale
I am choosing to Abstain on this Info Action. While I understand the strategic interest in securing the .ada and .cardano top-level domains, and I recognise that this proposal is constitutionally sound and funded entirely by the Cardano Foundation, there are important areas of uncertainty that prevent me from endorsing it at this stage.
Although gTLD ownership may offer long-term benefits to Cardano’s digital identity and public presence, the proposal leaves several key aspects of future governance undefined. The Cardano Foundation positions itself as the long-term operator of these domains, yet the framework for how this control will be exercised has not been clearly established. Issues such as policy-making authority, pricing, dispute resolution, and integration with on-chain identity systems remain open-ended. The proposed Community Advisory Group is mentioned, but its role, selection process, and actual influence are unspecified.
These gaps may seem minor today because this action does not enact anything directly. However, the implications for Cardano’s future identity infrastructure are significant. Without clarity around stewardship, accountability, and the boundaries of centralized authority, I am not comfortable offering an explicit endorsement. My abstention reflects the need for a more detailed governance structure before moving from community sentiment-gathering to implementation.
This decision should not be read as opposition to the idea itself. Rather, it signals caution. The action is framed as a simple request for community support, but I sense that its downstream impact could be more substantial than the proposal communicates. Until there is more transparency around how these domains will be governed and how the community’s interests will be protected, I cannot vote Yes with confidence.
For these reasons, RCADA Abstains, and encourages clearer governance definitions and oversight mechanisms before future steps are taken.
- Yes12.1M ₳Rationale
We have reviewed the governance action to secure the .ada and .cardano top-level domains and find it to be a strategically necessary step for the long-term health of the Cardano ecosystem. The application window for generic TLDs opens only once every decade or more, and missing it would leave these namespaces vulnerable to commercial capture, domain squatting, phishing misuse, or fragmentation across unrelated entities. Ensuring that these domains are held by an ecosystem-aligned organisation is therefore a matter of digital self-determination rather than branding convenience, and we recognise the Cardano Foundation’s intention to protect these namespaces for community use rather than any proprietary purpose.
We also recognise that this proposal does not request treasury funds. The Cardano Foundation commits to financing the ICANN application from its own resources, meaning this governance action is solely a request for ecosystem endorsement. In our view, this is an appropriate moment for such consultation because the decision carries long-term implications for public-facing identity, trust, and cohesion across Web2 and Web3 ecosystems. A lack of ecosystem backing would weaken the legitimacy of the application, while community support strengthens the case that these domains serve a public-interest function rather than a corporate one.
The extended discussion on the Cardano Forum hosted by CF provides valuable context. Stakeholders broadly support the strategic intent, while raising questions about governance, transparency, and long-term operational models. The Foundation’s responses: its commitment to establishing a Community Advisory Group, publishing operational metrics, and treating the namespace as public infrastructure, indicate a willingness to incorporate community influence into the process. These early conversations give confidence that the Foundation acknowledges the public-good nature of the TLDs and is prepared to steward them in a participatory manner.
We note that this Info Action is intentionally high-level, as many operational details cannot be defined until after ICANN approval. Choices around pricing, allocation, dispute procedures, or registrant eligibility fall naturally into the post-approval phase when the constraints and obligations of the contract are known. We expect those specifics to be co-developed with the community through the promised advisory structures and future governance actions. Given the nature of the ICANN process, seeking detailed operational plans at this early stage would be premature. What matters now is the strategic decision to secure the namespaces before the window closes.
For these reasons, we are satisfied that the idea presents a clear strategic benefit with minimal risk and aligns with the broader ecosystem’s interest in safeguarding public infrastructure. We therefore vote yes in support of this info governance action, with the expectation that the Foundation follows through on its commitment to transparent, community-guided management of the TLDs once acquired.