what's Bitcoin Name Service?

Bitcoin Name Service (BNS) is a decentralized naming system built on the Bitcoin blockchain through the Stacks layer-2 network. It allows users to register human-readable .btc domain names that map to Bitcoin wallet addresses, simplifying transactions by replacing complex hexadecimal strings with easy-to-remember identifiers. BNS operates as a key-value store on Stacks, where names are inscribed via Bitcoin's proof-of-work security, ensuring censorship resistance and immutability. The protocol supports various use cases, including Web3 identity, cross-chain interoperability, and integration with traditional domain registrars like GoDaddy for broader adoption. Users can bid on or purchase names through auctions, with ownership recorded on-chain. Recent upgrades, such as .locker top-level domains, enable seamless bridging between Web2 and Web3, allowing normie users to acquire BNS names without deep crypto knowledge.

BNS technology advanced via 2025 collaboration with Stacks ecosystem.