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Handshake (HNS)
A decentralized blockchain protocol that allows anyone to own a TLD on a distributed root zone.
By DomainGlossary EditorialLast updated Mar 25, 2026
Handshake is a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol and blockchain designed to replace the traditional DNS root zone with a decentralized alternative. Unlike ENS and Unstoppable Domains, Handshake aims to decentralize the entire TLD namespace — anyone can own a TLD on the Handshake blockchain. HNS (Handshake coin) is the native cryptocurrency. Handshake names are resolved via special resolvers or browsers supporting the HNS protocol.