Many algorithms in today's internet infrastructure are designed to collect and analyze user data, often competing to see who can spy the best. That’s the price we pay to participate in a centralized platform. Well, no matter how badly they spy, one can’t deny the importance of this infrastructure, as all opportunities, from learning to navigating life, can be found here. The internet as it is today is the thread that holds modern society together. A day without the internet would result in significant losses globally, affecting communication, commerce, education, entertainment, and much more. However, the infrastructure supporting the internet is largely centralized, controlled by major corporations and governments. This has both advantages and disadvantages. A few pros include its efficiency and speed in sending data across platforms. Additionally, it is scalable, allowing it to store and transmit large amounts of data and traffic. And, just like everything in life, there are downsides. A major concern is a lack of privacy, 86% of the US general population considers data privacy a growing concern for them, according to KPMG. Also, its centralized servers are attractive targets for hackers, which is why there are always large-scale data breaches. KPMG KPMG The Internet of the Future Imagine a world where you have complete control over the information your algorithm presents to you, all thanks to a decentralized network. In this future, you can create your own content experience and ensure that the posts, articles, and media you see align with your interests and values. This decentralized approach means that no single entity dictates what is popular or relevant; instead, the community participates in shaping the flow of information. This decentralized internet will differ from today’s centralized system in terms of privacy, censorship resistance, accessibility, security, and user control. Privacy: In the centralized internet, user data is still being collected and monetised by corporations, but in the decentralized internet, users will be able to control their own data using blockchain-based privacy and encryption tools. Privacy Censorship Resistance: The governments and companies can block access to websites like in the case of China's censorship. If we use a decentralized internet, no authority or body can restrict access to any information in the public domain. ensorship Resistance Accessibility: Currently most rural areas are without internet access and depend on large ISPs for connectivity, but with decentralized internet, community networks and P2P solutions will provide alternative access points for these areas. Accessibility Security: This is one of the areas of concern, with cyberattacks happening each day on centralized servers, but with a decentralized internet, there will be no single point of failure, which reduces vulnerability to large-scale breaches. Security User Control: Users lack control over their identity on platforms like Google, TikTok etc, but with the future of the internet, users will own their identities without third-party control. User Control: Pros & Cons of a Decentralized Internet A decentralized internet benefits everyone, from the general public to content creators, developers, startups, businesses, etc. They will enjoy the following benefits: More privacy, control over personal data, and protection from censorship. Fairer monetization without relying on platforms like YouTube or Facebook, which take a significant cut of earnings. No more gatekeepers controlling app distribution, which leads to more innovation. Protection against government censorship and surveillance. Secure and transparent transactions, especially in industries like finance, supply chain, and healthcare. More privacy, control over personal data, and protection from censorship. Fairer monetization without relying on platforms like YouTube or Facebook, which take a significant cut of earnings. No more gatekeepers controlling app distribution, which leads to more innovation. Protection against government censorship and surveillance. Secure and transparent transactions, especially in industries like finance, supply chain, and healthcare. There are also cons to decentralizing the internet; The internet runs on centralized servers owned by companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Decentralizing the internet will require a lot of infrastructure like the implementation of distributed networks, peer-to-peer technologies, and alternative hosting solutions. In terms of user convenience and adoption, centralized platforms are easier to use. Users are still finding it difficult to use hot wallets, and decentralized apps (dApps) often have a steep learning curve. Governments and corporations still continually resist decentralization since they will lose control over data and revenue. The internet runs on centralized servers owned by companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Decentralizing the internet will require a lot of infrastructure like the implementation of distributed networks, peer-to-peer technologies, and alternative hosting solutions. In terms of user convenience and adoption, centralized platforms are easier to use. Users are still finding it difficult to use hot wallets, and decentralized apps (dApps) often have a steep learning curve. Governments and corporations still continually resist decentralization since they will lose control over data and revenue. So, how can we overcome these obstacles? Every individual can contribute to this movement by using decentralized tools and taking ownership of their data by utilizing decentralized storage options. You can also invest in, donate to, or participate in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). Finally, you can spread awareness about data privacy, decentralization, and blockchain technology. For developers and engineers, there are opportunities to build decentralized applications (dApps) on platforms like Ethereum, Solana, or Polkadot. You can contribute to open-source projects and work on decentralized protocols such as IPFS, Filecoin, or Helium. Additionally, making Web3 products more user-friendly will help drive wider adoption. Organizations and businesses can take steps to decentralize their data storage by migrating from centralized cloud providers like AWS or Google Cloud to solutions like Filecoin or Storj. They can also start accepting cryptocurrency payments, such as Bitcoin or stablecoins, and adopt decentralized governance models for more transparent decision-making. Champions of Decentralization Brave Browser has been one of the frontiers in using IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). This is a decentralized file-sharing protocol that replaces HTTP. It allows users to store and access content across a peer-to-peer network instead of relying on centralized servers. You can consider them the champions for decentralized website hosting. Mastodon is another champion worth mentioning. This decentralized social media platform is an alternative to X (Twitter) where users control their own servers. Then, we have Ethereum Name Service (ENS) & Handshake. Decentralized alternatives to DNS, where users can register their domain names on the blockchain instead of relying on ICANN. Conclusion We have been advocating for non-censorship for a long time, and a decentralized internet (Web3) can provide us with that freedom. By taking control of our own data instead of allowing tech giants and intrusive governments to manage it, decentralization will promote more open-source, community-driven projects. This shift will also encourage the development of new business models and technologies. The transition to a decentralized internet won’t happen overnight, but every action, big or small, helps shape a more open, fair, and secure digital future. References KPMG. (2021). Corporate data responsibility: Bridging the consumer trust gap. Retrieved from https://kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/corporate-data-responsibility-bridging-the-consumer-trust-gap.pdf Liberty Street Economics (Federal Reserve Bank of New York). How Censorship-Resistant Are Decentralized Systems? Retrieved from libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org MIT Digital Currency Initiative. The Decentralized Web and Its Potential. Retrieved from dci.mit.edu Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. Decentralized Social Networks and User Control. Retrieved from sopa.tulane.edu KPMG. (2021). Corporate data responsibility: Bridging the consumer trust gap. Retrieved from https://kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/corporate-data-responsibility-bridging-the-consumer-trust-gap.pdf Corporate data responsibility: Bridging the consumer trust gap https://kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/corporate-data-responsibility-bridging-the-consumer-trust-gap.pdf Liberty Street Economics (Federal Reserve Bank of New York). How Censorship-Resistant Are Decentralized Systems? Retrieved from libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org How Censorship-Resistant Are Decentralized Systems? libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org MIT Digital Currency Initiative. The Decentralized Web and Its Potential. Retrieved from dci.mit.edu The Decentralized Web and Its Potential. dci.mit.edu Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. Decentralized Social Networks and User Control. Retrieved from sopa.tulane.edu Decentralized Social Networks and User Control. sopa.tulane.edu
