OpenAI, Google and Meta battle for AI internet domains as crypto firms target .bitcoin and .wallet
Key Summary
OpenAI, Google, and Meta are competing for AI-related internet domains, while crypto firms pursue .bitcoin and .wallet. The .agent domain is one of the most contested, with 13 applicants, including 15 from OpenAI. The competition reflects the growing importance of AI and blockchain technology in the internet's infrastructure.
AI Internet Domains Battle for Control as Crypto Firms Target .bitcoin and .wallet
Introduction
The competition for AI-related internet domains has emerged after ICANN revealed 1,615 applications for new generic top-level domains. OpenAI submitted applications for 15 extensions, including .agent, .agi, and .mcp. Google is competing for .agent and .mcp, while Meta is pursuing .agent alongside its AI products. The competition extends beyond individual brands, with seven applicants seeking .agi and five targeting .mcp.
Crypto Firms Enter the Fray
Crypto companies are joining the fight for internet naming rights, seeking extensions associated with digital assets, blockchain networks, and online payments. ICANN's preliminary contention data shows 11 applications for .bit, five for .crypto, and four for .wallet.
Financial Stakes
The financial stakes can be substantial, with each standard application carrying a $227,000 evaluation fee. Competition for particularly valuable names could eventually lead to auctions, as seen in the $25 million paid for .app in 2015.
Emerging Competition
The competition introduces another dimension to the emerging competition between AI and crypto infrastructure providers, particularly as autonomous software increasingly gains the ability to initiate payments and interact with digital wallets. However, approval of a crypto-related domain would not automatically enable blockchain transactions or wallet functionality.