ens::introduction

Verifiable Text Records

Assumptions

Context

In the ENS protocol, the owner of a name is free to set any address as the resolver for their name. Currently, a public resolver developed by ENS Labs is available, which people can choose to use as the default resolver for their name. The ENS Public Resolver currently supports several standards, including:

Text Records

Each text record includes a set of key-value pairs, used to store public profile information, preferences, and metadata — like a digital backpack.

Example:

Key Value
description Lead developer of ENS & Ethereum Foundation alum. Certified rat tickler. he/him.
com.twitter nicksdjohnson
email [email protected]

Verifiability Issue

Text records are widely used and standardized for common fields like avatars and descriptions. Just as users are free to choose any resolver address, they are also free to set any key-value text records they want. This means the user’s digital backpack does not provide any guarantees that they actually own the email address or Twitter handle they claim.

Proof Keys