On 31 October 2023, Shytoshi Kusama, the pseudonymous lead developer of the Shiba Inu (SHIB) project, announced two significant additions to the Shiba Inu ecosystem: Shib Name Service (SNS) and Shibdentity. According to Kusama, these features aim to simplify blockchain interactions and empower users to have more control over their digital identities.
Kusama describes the Shib Name Service as a transformative element within the larger Shibdentity ecosystem. The service is designed to replace complicated blockchain addresses with more user-friendly names. Instead of requiring a complex alphanumeric wallet address for transactions, SNS allows users to send tokens to simplified names like “bob.shib.”
Kusama outlines several key features of SNS, emphasizing its user-centric approach. The service aims to convert intricate blockchain addresses into simpler, more memorable names, thereby enhancing user experience. SNS operates on the Shibarium blockchain, ensuring a decentralized structure free from central control. Furthermore, the service is designed to be versatile potentially adaptable for other cryptocurrencies and decentralized platforms. Kusama also assures that SNS inherits robust security features from the Shibarium platform, aiming to provide secure transactions.
Shibdentity, as Kusama explains, is a decentralized identity solution that aims to offer self-custodial authentication and blockchain-verified credentials. The platform is designed to allow users to manage their digital identities without relying on third-party services. It also plans to offer on-chain self-custodial smart wallets with enhanced security features. Kusama states that Shibdentity aims to adhere to World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards, allowing for global interoperability.
Both SNS and Shibdentity are part of a broader vision that Kusama refers to as “The Hub.” This is envisioned as a super app built on the Shibdentity framework, aiming to centralize various decentralized applications (dApps) for a cohesive user experience.
To acquire a Shib name, Kusama outlines a straightforward process involving connecting a wallet to the platform, searching for a desired name, and approving the transaction via a Metamask popup. Once the transaction is successful, the purchased names will be listed in the ‘My Names’ section of the platform.
Kusama indicates that the full launch of SNS domain names is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in Shiba Inu’s efforts to contribute to the decentralized digital landscape, as per Kusama.
