When you think of internet addresses, you probably think of .com or .org domains bought from companies like GoDaddy. But what if those domains could be owned and managed without a middleman? That’s where the HNS token, a cryptocurrency built to replace centralized domain name systems with a blockchain-based alternative. Also known as Handshake, it enables anyone to register, trade, and manage domain names without relying on ICANN or corporate registrars. Unlike traditional domains that cost money every year and can be taken away, HNS domains are owned permanently once claimed — no renewals, no censorship, no gatekeepers.
The HNS token isn’t just about domains. It’s part of a bigger shift toward decentralized identity, a system where users control their own online identifiers instead of giving them to corporations. This idea connects directly to projects like blockchain-based identity verification and self-sovereign identity, which we’ve covered in other posts. HNS takes that principle and applies it to the most basic part of the web: how you find websites. It also ties into blockchain DNS, a system that uses cryptographic keys to resolve domain names instead of centralized servers. This makes HNS not just a currency, but infrastructure — like Bitcoin for domain names.
People mine HNS tokens just like Bitcoin, but instead of competing for blocks, they compete to claim top-level domains. The first miner to solve a block gets to register the domain they want — think .crypto, .coin, or even yourname.hns. Over time, these domains became valuable real estate in the decentralized web. Some early adopters sold HNS domains for thousands of dollars. Others use them to run uncensorable websites, crypto wallets, or decentralized apps. And because HNS is built to work with existing browsers through extensions or DNS resolvers, you don’t need special software to use it — just a simple setup.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a single story about HNS. It’s a collection of real cases, scams, and lessons from people who’ve tried to ride the wave of decentralized tech. You’ll see how fake airdrops pretend to offer free HNS, how some exchanges list it while others avoid it, and why a token with no central company still has real value. This isn’t hype. It’s about who owns the internet — and whether you’re part of the solution or just another user trapped in a system designed to profit from your attention.
VATRENI is the official fan token of the Croatian Football Federation, built on Polygon to reward supporters with exclusive experiences. Learn how it works, where to buy it, and whether it's worth holding.
Read More