HostDec: The Decentralized Web the world needs
The Internet was conceived as a distributed, resilient network, but over time its most critical infrastructure —the domain name system— became concentrated in the hands of a few centralized entities. HostDec proposes a radical alternative.
HostDec is a decentralized ecosystem that combines NFT-based domain registration, content storage on decentralized networks like IPFS and a native ERC-20 token to create a truly sovereign, censorship-resistant and permanent web infrastructure.
Unlike traditional domain name systems, where registrars and governments can arbitrarily suspend or redirect domains, in HostDec domain ownership is guaranteed by a smart contract on the Arbitrum One blockchain. No one —not even the HostDec team— can confiscate, modify or delete a registered domain without the consent of the owner of the associated wallet.
The ecosystem is made up of four interdependent pillars: the blockchain registration protocol, the IPFS resolution system, the native desktop browser and the decentralized marketplace. Together they form a complete platform on which any developer can build the new web.
The fundamental flaws of traditional DNS
The DNS system that underpins today's web was designed over 40 years ago. Its structural flaws represent serious risks for users, developers and businesses in the modern world.
Centralization and hierarchical control
DNS operates under a hierarchy that culminates in ICANN, a private entity headquartered in the United States that controls root servers. Registrars —GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains— act as intermediaries that can suspend, transfer or modify domains under legal, governmental pressure or even administrative error.
Perpetual rental model
Users do not "own" their domains: they rent them annually. If payment is not renewed —whether due to oversight, financial difficulties or registrar closure—, the domain expires and can be acquired by third parties. This model creates structural dependency with recurring costs and uncertainty about continuity of access.
Censorship and geopolitical control
Governments have ordered the seizure of domains used for independent journalism, privacy services, cryptocurrency platforms and political information sites. Registrars, being legal entities in specific jurisdictions, are required to comply. The result is a web where digital sovereignty is an illusion.
Centralized hosting: the other bottleneck
Even if a domain survives censorship, its content is usually on centralized servers (AWS, Cloudflare, Google Cloud). Blocking the CDN or hosting provider is enough to make a site disappear. The separation between name and content creates two independent vectors of censorship.
HostDec: Domains as permanent digital assets
HostDec replaces the centralized DNS infrastructure with an open protocol where domains are NFTs, content lives on IPFS and the economy is driven by a native token.
On-chain registration with NFT
The user pays in HDEC tokens to mint an ERC-721 NFT representing permanent ownership of the domain. The smart contract guarantees uniqueness and immutability of the registration without the need for intermediaries.
Publishing content to IPFS
The owner uploads their site to IPFS and obtains a Content Identifier (CID). This CID is a cryptographic fingerprint of the content: any modification generates a different CID, ensuring total integrity.
Domain ↔ CID linking in the contract
The owner calls setCIDWeb(tokenId, cid) in the smart contract to associate their domain with the IPFS CID. This operation is recorded immutably on the blockchain.
Native resolution in the HostDec browser
When a user types a domain in the desktop browser, the app queries the smart contract, retrieves the CID and serves the content from IPFS. No DNS. No central servers. No intermediaries.
HostDec system architecture
HostDec operates on three interdependent layers: the consensus layer (blockchain), the storage layer (IPFS) and the access layer (browser and DApp).
Layer 1 — Consensus and registration: Arbitrum One
HostDec deploys its smart contracts on Arbitrum One, an L2 scaling solution on Ethereum that combines the security of Ethereum consensus with reduced fees (~$0.01–0.10 USD per operation) and confirmation times of seconds. The main contract manages domain registration (ERC-721 NFTs), domain-CID association, ownership transfer and fee collection in HDEC tokens.
Layer 2 — Storage: IPFS and Filecoin
Site content is stored on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), a peer-to-peer network where files are identified by their cryptographic hash. The CID is deterministic: given the same content, it always produces the same identifier. HostDec maintains compatibility with Filecoin for incentivized long-term persistence.
Layer 3 — Access: DApp, browser
Users interact with the protocol through the following interfaces: the web DApp at hostdec.com for domain management and marketplace, and the desktop browser for native resolution.
How HostDec domains work
HostDec domains are ERC-721 NFTs with no traditional extension. Their resolution follows a deterministic chain: wallet → smart contract → CID → content on IPFS.
HostDec domain characteristics
- No conventional extension: domains do not end in .com or similar. They are unique, direct identifiers such as
myblogormycompany. - Perpetual ownership: once registered, the domain belongs to the owner wallet indefinitely, with no renewals or recurring payments.
- Transferable and composable: like any ERC-721 NFT, it can be transferred, sold or delegated through standard NFT marketplace smart contracts.
- Updatable content: the owner can update the associated CID at any time, pointing to new versions of their site. The version history is recorded in the contract.
Technical resolution flow
When the HostDec browser receives a domain request, it executes the following flow: it queries getTokenId(domain) to obtain the NFT's tokenId, then calls getCIDWeb(tokenId) to retrieve the active IPFS CID, and finally fetches the content through the IPFS gateway.
NFT metadata and versioning
Each domain maintains a circular buffer of NFT metadata versions through getCurrentCID and getRecentHistory. This allows auditing the publication history of a domain and reverting to previous versions, with a configurable cooldown to prevent update spam.
// Simplified resolution flow async function resolveHostDec(domain) { const tokenId = await contract.getTokenId(domain); if (tokenId === 0n) return "404 — domain not registered"; const cid = await contract.getCIDWeb(tokenId); if (!cid) return "domain registered, no IPFS content yet"; return fetch(`ipfs://${cid}`); }
Domain marketplace
The HostDec marketplace is the integrated space within the DApp where NFT domain owners can freely buy and sell their assets. Transactions are carried out in ETH and are backed by the smart contract.
Marketplace sections
- Domains for sale: explorer of all domains currently listed by their owners, with price in ETH, name and real-time availability.
- My domains: personalized dashboard where the user views all NFT domains they own, with direct access to their management.
- Update metadata: section for updating the IPFS CID of the NFT tokenURI, with the circular buffer version history and the option to revert to previous versions.
- Sell my domain: guided flow to list an owned domain for sale, define the price in ETH and confirm the order from the connected wallet.
Marketplace economic model
The marketplace charges a 1% commission on each transaction, deducted from the agreed ETH price. Funds accumulated from commissions are managed by the contract and withdrawable by the owner through the timelock and multisig approval process. Buyers pay in native ETH; the HDEC token is used exclusively for the initial domain registration.
Full ownership transfer
When a sale is completed, the ERC-721 NFT is automatically transferred to the buyer via the smart contract. The new owner inherits all domain rights: they can update the CID, resell it or transfer it. The complete version history is permanently recorded on the blockchain.
HDEC token economic model
The HDEC token (ERC-20 on Arbitrum One) is the native asset that powers domain registration in the ecosystem. Its design aims to generate sustained demand as the base of registered domains grows.
Supply and distribution
The maximum supply of HDEC is 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) tokens, with a planned distribution designed to sustain long-term ecosystem growth.
HDEC token utility
- Domain registration: the registration fee is paid exclusively in HDEC. The price varies by name length: from 100 HDEC for long domains to 10,000 HDEC for 3-character domains.
- Ecosystem incentives: tokens from the "Ecosystem" tranche fund adoption programs, rewards for early adopters and grants for projects building on HostDec.
- Future staking: in later protocol phases, staking mechanisms will be explored to access registration discounts and premium features.
Smart contract architecture
HostDec operates on audited and interoperable contracts on Arbitrum One. Administration is protected by a structure combining HostdecTimelock with a 3/5 Safe multisig, ensuring that no privileged action can be executed unilaterally.
Domain registration contract — ERC-721
This is the main protocol contract. It implements the ERC-721 standard with a UUPS proxy for secure upgrades, and manages the complete domain lifecycle: registration (register), web CID update (setCIDWeb, removeCIDWeb), current state query (getCIDWeb, getTokenId) and NFT metadata history with circular buffer (getRecentHistory, revertToVersion).
HDEC Token — ERC-20
Standard ERC-20 contract that acts as a means of payment for domain registration. The registration contract requires prior allowance approval before executing register. Accumulated fees are withdrawn through the timelock and multisig mechanism.
Administrative security model
The owner of the main contract is the HostdecTimelock, which imposes a mandatory waiting period on every privileged operation. In turn, the timelock is controlled by a Gnosis Safe wallet with a 3-of-5 signers scheme. This ensures that proxy upgrades, parameter changes or fund withdrawals always require founding team consensus and cannot be executed immediately or unilaterally.
// Key functions of the registration contract ABI function register(string name) external; function setCIDWeb(uint256 tokenId, string cid) external; function getCIDWeb(uint256 tokenId) external view returns (string memory); function getTokenId(string name) external view returns (uint256); function getRecentHistory(uint256 tokenId) external view returns (...);
Governance: long-term vision
In the current version of the protocol, administration is in the hands of the founding team, protected by the HostdecTimelock and the 3/5 Safe multisig. Progressive decentralization of governance is a long-term goal of the project.
Current governance: Timelock + Multisig
Every privileged action on the contracts —proxy upgrades, parameter changes, fee withdrawals— must go through the HostdecTimelock, which imposes a waiting period before execution. The timelock is controlled by a Gnosis Safe wallet with a 3-of-5 signers scheme from the founding team. This model guarantees security, on-chain transparency and resistance to operational errors from day one.
Future vision: community governance
As the protocol matures and the community of users and investors grows, HostDec has a long-term goal of exploring community governance mechanisms that allow HDEC holders to participate in key protocol decisions. This includes possible parameter adjustments, treasury fund allocation and new features. The details and timeline of this transition will be defined based on ecosystem development and adoption.
Transparency as a core principle
Regardless of the protocol stage, all administrative operations are recorded immutably on the Arbitrum One blockchain. Anyone can audit every team transaction, treasury withdrawals and contract upgrades in real time through Arbiscan.
Project roadmap
HostDec's development is structured in phases ranging from the launch of the base protocol to ecosystem expansion and mass adoption.
2026
Phase 0 — Foundations
Main smart contract development, Arbitrum deployment, basic web DApp, MVP desktop browser and first IPFS resolution tests.
2026
Phase 1 — Mainnet Launch
Contract audit, deployment on Arbitrum One mainnet, HDEC token launch, public domain registration opening and marketplace beta launch.
2026
Phase 2 — Ecosystem and growth
Developer SDK, integration with publishing tools (CLI, VS Code plugins), marketplace expansion, grants program for builders, macOS and Linux browser launches, and first DeFi token integrations.
Phase 3 — Expansion and progressive decentralization
Multichain support, HDEC token cross-chain bridge, exploration of community governance mechanisms, strategic partnerships with Web3 projects and expansion of the registered user base.
Phase 4 — Native Web3 at scale
Integration in mainstream web browsers, partnerships with high-profile Web3 projects, HostDec as a standard infrastructure for decentralized site and dApp deployment globally.
Protocol security model
HostDec's security is built in layers: from audited smart contracts to the cryptographic integrity of IPFS storage, through the browser threat model.
Smart contract security
HostDec contracts follow best practices: Checks-Effects-Interactions pattern to prevent reentrancy, use of OpenZeppelin for audited standard implementations, access control with explicit roles and upgradability with timelock for critical changes.
Content integrity with IPFS
IPFS's content-addressed model ensures that the CID is a cryptographic proof of the content. If someone modifies the file, the CID changes. It is impossible to serve malicious content under a legitimate CID registered on the blockchain. Users always receive exactly the content that the domain owner published.
Desktop browser security
The HostDec browser implements content sandboxing similar to modern browsers, origin isolation per domain and restrictions on operating system API access from decentralized content. By not using local servers or modifying system files, the attack surface is significantly reduced.
User privacy
The browser does not record browsing history nor transmit it to HostDec servers. The user's IP is never exposed to the visited domain owner, since content is obtained through the IPFS gateway.
Project risks and mitigations
Every innovative project faces risks. HostDec identifies them transparently and presents concrete mitigation strategies for each one.
Adoption and critical mass
Without enough users and published sites, the ecosystem loses its value proposition. Mitigation: early adopter program with HDEC incentives, developer grants and strategic partnerships from day one.
Smart contract vulnerabilities
An exploit could compromise user funds or domains. Mitigation: multiple external audits, bug bounty program, upgradability with timelock and DeFi protocol insurance.
IPFS network dependency
If a CID is not available on enough nodes, the site may become inaccessible. Mitigation: Filecoin integration for incentivized persistence, HostDec's own gateway and pinning guides for owners.
Crypto asset regulation
Regulatory changes could affect the distribution or utility of the HDEC token. Mitigation: conservative legal design, ongoing regulatory consulting and architecture adaptable to different regulatory frameworks.
Competition from similar protocols
ENS or other projects could launch similar features. Mitigation: complete vertical integration, proprietary ecosystem and execution speed are HostDec's main competitive advantage.
Arbitrum One network risk
A critical failure in Arbitrum would affect operations. Mitigation: contingency plan for migration to another L2 and continuous network status monitoring.
The infrastructure for the new internet
HostDec is not just an alternative domain name system. It is a bet on an internet where digital sovereignty is a right, not a privilege granted by intermediaries.
For decades, users have implicitly accepted ceding control of their digital presence to intermediaries: registrars, hosting providers, CDNs and platforms. Each represents a censorship point, an availability risk and a perpetual economic dependency.
HostDec solves this equation at the root. By bringing name registration to the blockchain, content to IPFS and resolution to the user's device through a native desktop browser, the protocol eliminates all intermediaries from the chain. A HostDec domain belongs to its owner in the same way that their bitcoins belong to them: only their private key can transfer it.
The HDEC token is not a speculative accessory: it is the access key to a decentralized domain ecosystem. Every registered domain strengthens the network and its value proposition for the next user.
The integrated marketplace is the piece that adds real liquidity to the ecosystem: premium domains registered early have market value, and the ability to buy and sell them in ETH without external intermediaries makes HostDec a complete platform, not just a technical registry.
Community governance is a long-term vision that will be built when the protocol has the necessary maturity. For now, the timelock and multisig security ensures that all user assets are protected from day one.
We invite developers, users and investors to build this infrastructure together. The domain you register today on HostDec will be yours forever.