AtomOne On-Chain Name Service: A Better Solution

In the ever-evolving world of blockchain and decentralized ecosystems, the need for user-friendly and secure name services is paramount. For the AtomOne ecosystem, an improved on-chain name service is crucial for enhancing user experience and preventing abuse. This article delves into the challenges of current name service models and proposes a robust solution that is fully on-chain, human-oriented, anti-squatting, privacy-preserving, and avoids reliance on external Web2 systems. Let's explore how AtomOne can lead the way in decentralized name services.

Understanding the Problem

One of the primary concerns discussed during the December 2, 2025 Town Hall was the prevention of a single user from scooping up desirable names in a First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) model. While ideas such as linking name ownership to existing Web2 identities (X, Telegram, Discord) were presented, these approaches only partially solve the problem. Such methods introduce concerns around privacy, centralization, and onboarding friction. Therefore, a sustainable name service should resist name squatting, remain accessible to real users, avoid Web2 dependencies, and stay decentralized and user-friendly.

The FCFS model, while seemingly straightforward, allows early adopters or bots to grab large swaths of high-value names, essentially creating a digital land grab. This can lead to a scarcity of desirable names, making it difficult for new users to acquire meaningful identifiers within the ecosystem. Moreover, Web2-identity-linked verification, while offering a layer of authentication, introduces centralization risks and privacy concerns. Users may be hesitant to link their decentralized identities to centralized platforms, creating friction in the onboarding process. To truly embrace the ethos of decentralization, a solution that minimizes reliance on Web2 systems is essential.

A truly effective name service must strike a balance between accessibility and security. It should ensure that genuine users can easily acquire and use names while preventing malicious actors from hoarding or squatting on valuable identifiers. This requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of name squatting and abuse, while upholding the principles of privacy and decentralization. By focusing on these core tenets, AtomOne can create a name service that not only meets the needs of its users but also sets a new standard for decentralized identity management.

Proposed Solution: A Multi-Faceted Approach

To address these challenges, a combined approach of on-chain mechanisms is proposed. This approach discourages abuse while keeping the system simple and decentralized. The core components of this solution include leveraging Human Passport scores, implementing a progressive cooldown system, making names non-transferable, adding a voluntary name forfeit/release mechanism, and establishing DAO governance for exceptional cases.

1. Use Human Passport Score for Eligibility

Integrating a "Human Passport" scoring system is a pivotal step in ensuring that addresses represent real individuals. This approach aligns perfectly with AtomOne’s vision of a human-first, decentralized identity ecosystem. The Human Passport score serves as a reliable indicator of human authenticity without necessitating the direct linkage of Web2 social accounts or personal data. By prioritizing human users, the system effectively prevents bots and mass-registration attempts, which are common tactics used in name squatting. This mechanism ensures that genuine users have a fair opportunity to acquire their desired names, fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment within the AtomOne ecosystem.

The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By focusing on human authenticity rather than relying on external identity verification methods, the Human Passport system minimizes friction and preserves user privacy. This is crucial for maintaining the decentralized nature of the AtomOne ecosystem and ensuring that users feel secure and in control of their digital identities. Moreover, the Human Passport system can be continuously refined and improved, adapting to emerging threats and evolving user needs. This adaptability is essential for the long-term sustainability of the name service and its ability to effectively combat abuse.

In essence, the Human Passport score acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only real users are eligible to participate in the name registration process. This not only deters malicious actors but also creates a foundation of trust and legitimacy within the AtomOne ecosystem. By prioritizing human users, AtomOne can foster a vibrant and thriving community where individuals can interact and transact with confidence, knowing that the underlying infrastructure is designed to protect their interests and uphold the principles of decentralization.

2. Progressive Cooldown System

Recognizing that most users realistically need only 1–2 names (e.g., wallet identity + pseudonym), a progressive cooldown system is designed to discourage squatting. This system imposes a 30-day cooldown after purchasing one name. The cooldown period increases to 3–6 months after purchasing two names. This cooldown escalates progressively with each name registered per address. Such a system makes name squatting an expensive and time-consuming endeavor while ensuring normal usage remains frictionless. This approach effectively balances the needs of regular users with the need to prevent abuse.

The progressive cooldown system is a smart way to slow down potential name hoarders without inconveniencing the average user. By gradually increasing the cooldown period, the system disincentivizes the registration of multiple names for speculative purposes. This helps to ensure that valuable names remain available for genuine users who intend to actively participate in the AtomOne ecosystem. The system's flexibility allows it to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. For instance, the cooldown periods can be adjusted based on network activity or user feedback, ensuring that the system remains effective and responsive.

This approach not only discourages squatting but also promotes a more thoughtful approach to name registration. Users are encouraged to carefully consider their name choices and prioritize those that are most meaningful to them. This can lead to a more diverse and vibrant ecosystem, where names are not simply commodities to be bought and sold but rather integral parts of a user's digital identity. The progressive cooldown system is a crucial component of the overall solution, working in concert with other mechanisms to create a name service that is both secure and user-friendly.

3. Make Names Non-Transferable (Soulbound-Like)

To further disincentivize name hoarding, names should be non-transferable, similar to soulbound tokens. This measure removes the financial incentive for name hoarding and prevents the black-market resale of desirable names. By making names non-transferable, genuine users who want a name for actual usage are unaffected, while speculators and malicious actors are deterred. This approach ensures that names are used for their intended purpose – as identifiers within the AtomOne ecosystem – rather than as assets for speculation.

The concept of soulbound names is a powerful tool for fostering a sense of ownership and identity within the ecosystem. By tying names directly to users, the system reinforces the idea that names are more than just identifiers; they are representations of an individual's presence and participation in the community. This can lead to a stronger sense of belonging and encourage users to invest more deeply in the ecosystem. The non-transferability of names also helps to prevent identity theft and fraud, as users cannot simply sell or transfer their names to others. This adds an additional layer of security and trust to the system.

While the soulbound nature of names may seem restrictive, it is essential for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the name service. By removing the speculative element, the system ensures that names are available to those who genuinely need them, rather than being hoarded by those seeking to profit from their scarcity. This aligns with the core principles of decentralization, which prioritize community and collaboration over individual gain. The non-transferability of names is a key element of the proposed solution, working in tandem with other mechanisms to create a name service that is both secure and equitable.

4. Add Voluntary Name Forfeit / Release

Users should have the option to release a name before its expiration. This helps recycle unused names back into the pool, reducing the long-term accumulation by inactive or abandoned addresses. The ability to voluntarily forfeit or release a name ensures that the name service remains dynamic and responsive to user needs. This mechanism promotes efficiency and prevents the unnecessary hoarding of names, ensuring that valuable identifiers are available to those who will actively use them.

The voluntary name forfeit/release feature adds a layer of flexibility to the name service, allowing users to adapt to changing circumstances. For instance, if a user no longer needs a particular name or wishes to rebrand their identity, they can simply release the name back into the pool, making it available for others to register. This helps to prevent the accumulation of unused names, which can lead to scarcity and frustration among users. The release mechanism also encourages responsible name management, as users are incentivized to release names that they are no longer actively using.

This feature is particularly important for maintaining the long-term health of the name service. As the AtomOne ecosystem grows and evolves, the demand for names will likely increase. By providing a mechanism for recycling unused names, the system can ensure that valuable identifiers remain available to the community. The voluntary name forfeit/release feature is a simple yet powerful tool for promoting efficiency and sustainability within the name service.

5. DAO Governance for Impersonation or Abuse Cases

To address exceptional cases such as impersonation of real people or brands, or malicious or harmful use, governance controls are necessary. Introducing DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) governance ensures that the system has a safety valve without becoming centralized. This requires a strong quorum and a high voting threshold for any action. DAO governance provides a controlled, transparent resolution for edge cases, ensuring that the name service can adapt to unforeseen circumstances while upholding the principles of decentralization and community involvement.

DAO governance is a crucial component of the proposed solution, as it provides a mechanism for addressing issues that cannot be easily resolved through automated means. By empowering the community to make decisions about exceptional cases, the system ensures that the name service remains responsive to the needs of its users. The requirement of a strong quorum and a high voting threshold ensures that any action taken is carefully considered and supported by a broad consensus within the community. This prevents the system from being manipulated by malicious actors and ensures that decisions are made in the best interests of the AtomOne ecosystem.

The governance mechanism is designed to be used sparingly, only in cases where there is clear evidence of impersonation, abuse, or other harmful behavior. This ensures that the system remains decentralized and that the community has the final say in matters that affect the integrity of the name service. DAO governance is a vital safeguard, providing a balance between automation and human oversight, and ensuring that the name service can adapt to evolving challenges while upholding its core principles.

Why This Approach Works: Decentralization, Human-First, Anti-Abuse, Low-Friction, Governable

This approach works because it is decentralized, human-first, anti-abuse, low-friction, and governable. By avoiding Web2 identity reliance and using the Human Passport to prioritize real users, the system remains decentralized and accessible. The progressive cooldown and non-transferability discourage registration farming and name squatting, making it anti-abuse. The absence of uploads, linking, or off-chain social verification ensures a low-friction user experience. Finally, DAO governance provides a controlled, transparent resolution for edge cases, ensuring the system is governable and adaptable.

This comprehensive approach not only solves the immediate problems associated with name squatting and abuse but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and user-friendly name service within the AtomOne ecosystem. By prioritizing decentralization, human authenticity, and community governance, AtomOne can create a name service that truly reflects the values of the blockchain space.

Conclusion

The proposed on-chain name service for the AtomOne ecosystem offers a robust and decentralized solution to the challenges of name squatting and abuse. By leveraging Human Passport scores, implementing a progressive cooldown system, making names non-transferable, adding a voluntary name forfeit/release mechanism, and establishing DAO governance, AtomOne can create a name service that is both secure and user-friendly. This approach ensures that names are available to genuine users, fosters a sense of ownership and identity within the ecosystem, and promotes responsible name management. By embracing these principles, AtomOne can lead the way in decentralized identity management and set a new standard for blockchain-based name services.

For more information on decentralized identity and blockchain governance, visit reputable sources such as the Internet Society.