What would a decentralized internet look like?
1. Introduction
The internet is a household name around the world but very few people actually grasp the deep meaning encapsulated in that simple, single word. It’s a deep rooted abstraction. A far reaching symbolism. A great mystery that I will gently unravel in this evolving tale.
Conceived in the 1960’s, the internet is one of the most transformative technological innovations in human history. It began as a research project by computer scientists and engineers to discover how the cumbersome, isolated, first generation computers could transfer information without direct physical access. However, it has since evolved into a global network connecting billions of people, devices, and systems. Nowadays, the internet is more than just a tool for communication; it has revolutionized how we work, socialize, learn, shop, and access information.
The structure and functioning of the internet are underpinned by a variety of infrastructure, software applications and protocols e.g., transfer protocols, that ensure data moves seamlessly across networks.
The physical infrastructure includes;
- Data servers were internet information and code are hosted, under water cables which interconnect these server sites globally, a network of masts and satellites for global wireless access and devices like phones and laptops which access and contribute to the network.
The software packages include;
- Web browsers for accessing the global web and networking software for managing local area networks e.g.; WiFi, WLAN etc.
Among the transfer protocols, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) plays a central role in enabling users to access the vast and interconnected world of the World Wide Web (WWW).
The Internet and Transfer Protocols
At its core, the internet is a vast network of interconnected computers and devices, communicating through standardized protocols that allow for the exchange of information. These protocols ensure that data sent from one machine can be accurately understood and processed by another. Transfer protocols, are essential as they define the rules for how data is packaged, transmitted, and delivered between systems. There are many transfer protocols (e.g., File Transfer Protocol, Internet Protocol, Domain Name System etc.) that serve various purposes on the internet, but one of the most important is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) which is the foundation of data exchange on the World Wide Web, enabling the transfer of documents and media between servers and clients. HTTP governs how requests and responses are made between a web browser and a server, allowing users to load webpages, view images, and interact with online content.
The World Wide Web
While the internet refers to the physical infrastructure of interconnected networks, the World Wide Web (WWW) is a system of accessing and sharing information over the internet. Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, invented the World Wide Web in 1989 as a way to enable scientists to share research and documents across the globe. The World Wide Web uses the HTTP protocol and relies on web pages, which are often written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and linked together with hyperlinks.
In its early days, the web was a static HTML space where users could view documents and simple content. However, it quickly grew into a dynamic and interactive space, with the development of technologies such as JavaScript, CSS, and advanced server-side scripting.
Web 1.0: The Static Web
Web 1.0, often referred to as the “static web,” was the first generation of the World Wide Web. During this phase, websites were simple, static and primarily read-only, with minimal interaction from users. The websites consisted mostly of text, images, and basic navigation links and though users could browse information, there was little in the way of engagement or dynamic content.
Web 2.0: The Interactive Web
In the early 2000s, the internet underwent a major transformation with the advent of Web 2.0. This shift marked the move from a static, informational web to a more interactive, social, and user-driven environment. Web 2.0 is characterized by the rise of social media platforms, blogs, wikis, and user-generated content. Websites became more dynamic, featuring interactive elements such as videos, comments, and social sharing tools. The focus shifted from simply providing information to creating experiences, where users could actively participate, share, and collaborate. Web 2.0 also saw the growth of cloud computing, enabling users to access and store data online, further decentralizing the web.
Web 1 and Web 2 constitute the current state of the net, a phase known as the centralized internet.
Advantages of the centralized internet
- Complete global access and connectivity
- Access to financial infrastructure for internet banking
- Totally free access to most websites
- Monetized facilities for employment purposes
- Centralized control of servers and websites for proper monitoring and security
Disadvantages of the centralized internet
The main disadvantage of the centralized internet is its centralized ownership and control. Most of the existing internet hardware and websites are owned and operated by private companies who have total control over the humongous information there. This information includes private information which can be used to track unsuspecting internet users. In fact, they has actually been leaks accusing top governments around the world of leveraging the internet to spy on people through their devices. This means that your device takes audio or video recordings without your permission or knowledge which raises privacy concerns.
This monopolistic and tyrannical tendencies of major internet companies and governments inspired software developers to come up with the idea of a more decentralized internet which currently being developed. This is known as web 3, a new iteration of the net where internet information will be stored on all the individual devices connected to the net, hence, it cannot be owned or manipulated by any single individual. This is the idea of decentralization in internet technology.
Web 3.0: The Decentralized and Semantic Web
Looking forward, the next phase of the internet is Web 3.0. Often referred to as the “decentralized web,” Web 3.0 is characterized by the integration of blockchain technology, decentralized applications (dApps), and enhanced privacy features. Unlike Web 2.0, where data is often controlled by large corporations, Web 3.0 aims to give users more control over their data and digital identities. It also seeks to create a more intelligent web by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide more personalized and relevant experiences.
The idea of a decentralized internet started from the finance world where financial institutions leveraged on their authority to grant certain unfair favors resulting in the financial crises of 2008. This is better explained in my previous article on bitcoin. This financial crises prompted Idealistic tech savvy professionals like Satoshi Nakamoto to initiate the development of a decentralized global network for financial transactions. Nakamoto leveraged blockchain technology (an existing decentralized storage system using the connected devices as memory) to create the first global cryptocurrency i.e., bitcoin.
The birth of the bitcoin proved the practicality of decentralized global networking spurring a worldwide team of developers to begin expanding the blockchain infrastructure into a new kind of internet known as web 3. With Web 3.0, the internet is becoming a more decentralized, secure, and intelligent space, pushing the boundaries of what is possible online.
2. The Internet of the Future
Imagine this;
In the near future, you find yourself living in a world shaped by automation and Web3 technology. The Earth is one global nation. Earth City, a sprawling artificial island in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, serves as the capital of this new world order. The infrastructure of the world is interconnected by underwater hyperloop systems and futuristic speed-train bridges that allow people to travel between continents in a matter of minutes. Borders are now obsolete, with only provinces existing for documentation and security purposes.
Automated systems dominate every facet of life. Self-driving vehicles cruise the roads with almost no accidents, while autonomous spaceships shuttle goods and people throughout the solar system. The once uninhabitable planets are now thriving colonies. Advanced automated farming systems provide abundance to the population, and artificial intelligence controls resource distribution. Basic needs such as water, electricity, and education are universally free, ensuring that every person’s fundamental needs are met.
In this age of automation, prosperity has become a reality for everyone, as technology fuels growth in sectors like art, entertainment, and exploration. But it’s the rise of Web3 that truly transforms society. In this new era, the Internet is decentralized, governed not by corporations or governments, but by the people through open-source protocols. This shift toward Web3 ushered in the age of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), a revolution that eliminates intermediaries like banks and financial institutions. Instead, all financial activities are managed through decentralized applications (DApps) operating on blockchain technology and AI. This new structure allows individuals to directly control their financial destiny, cutting out the centralized entities that once held power over the global economy.
In the early days of Web3, ordinary people flourished. Cryptocurrencies and other DFAs (Digital Financial Assets) enabled individuals to invest, trade, and build wealth independently of traditional banks. The decentralized nature of Web3 ensured that no single entity could monopolize or manipulate the Cryptex market. The financial freedom that came with DeFi was exhilarating, and people used it to create wealth, fund creative projects, and build entirely new economies.
DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) emerged as the backbone of this new society, giving individuals the power to vote on policies and participate in global decision-making. But this dream was short-lived. Over time, centralized corporations began to infiltrate the Web3 space. The big financial institutions, once seen as relics of the old system, launched their own blockchain networks and DApps. They formed powerful alliances, effectively merging with Web3 to create a hybrid system.
This merger, which became known as the “Big Merge,” saw the introduction of Digital Native Currencies (DiNaCs)—digital versions of national currencies, such as the digital dollar, euro, or yen. These DiNaCs, issued by government-backed corporations, quickly became the dominant form of exchange on the decentralized platform.
The once decentralized and egalitarian Web3 had come under threat of corporate control with centralized blockchain corporations, or “Big Chain”, attempting to dominate the system. They controlled the issuance and trade of DiNaCs and formed their own DAOs, collectively known as the DAOC (Decentralized Autonomous Organization of Corporations), which allowed them to manipulate policies on the Web3 network.
But there was a glimmer of hope. A mysterious entity known only as DNC—short for DeFi Not CeFi—emerged as the face of resistance against the Big Chain. DNC’s presence on GloDExSys (Global Decentralized Exchange System) was a revelation. They quickly climbed the ranks of the trading leaderboard, a feat never before achieved by individuals since the Big Merge. People were intrigued—how was DNC managing to challenge the dominance of the Big Chain? For a brief period, DNC seemed to be the rebellion Web3 had been waiting for, striking fear into the hearts of the corporate giants.
DNC’s mission is clear; “Take back our finternet!”
Amidst this struggle, Web3 itself continued to evolve. Spacecoin, the first cryptocurrency with truly decentralized infrastructure marked the next stage of the revolution. Spacecoin’s infrastructure was designed to be immune to centralized control, and it became the one true global currency, accepted across all industries.
Cryptocurrency trading, or Cryptex, is the new norm. People engaged in speculative trading across a range of industry-based cryptocurrencies like Techon (for technology), Agrocoin (for agriculture), and Muse (for music). These tokens allowed users to invest in niche sectors, creating a dynamic and ever-changing global economy.
As you watch these developments unfold from your star ship, a silent transcontinental jet from space ex, you reflect on the strange world you’re exploring. Earth City, with its towering structures and futuristic systems, stands as a testament to human achievement. You gaze upon the billboard ahead, emblazoned with the web 3 pledge. Those immortal words read; “We all are free people. Free to live, free to love, free to prosper!”
But as you ponder the ideals of freedom and equality, the sound of your phone rings— waking you from your trance. It’s your boss calling, bringing you back to reality. With a sigh, you return to the harsh reality of your daily life, where the dream of a decentralized future feels more distant than ever. The world you dreamed of may never come to pass. But in the back of your mind, the resistance continues, and the dream of a truly free, decentralized world lingers on.
Web 2 vs Web 3
- Privacy: Due to its centralized nature, web 2 is very vulnerable to leaks, spying and sales of user data. This will be greatly minimized by web 3 since the data is not stored on any central server.
- Accessibility: Web 2 already has global accessibility but several factors like government policies, hosting costs and network outages can limit connectivity. Web 3 aims to eliminate these other factors.
- Censorship Resistance: Unlike web 2 which is operated by private bodies that can promote their own agenda through censorship, web 3 is openly managed and the general public can vote on what gets censored if any.
- Monetization: Though web 2 is already monetized in some countries, web 3 will introduce more opportunities for monetization on a global scale.
- Government Access: Though web 3 is more decentralized than web 2, as highlighted in the story above, it may still experience some government control if traditional financial instruments are made available on the blockchain. This will minimize government monopoly though and open up the financial market to true capitalistic competitiveness.
3. Pros & Cons of a decentralized Internet
The story above already highlights the great benefits of a decentralized internet. The people benefit the most of course. They get to fully control their financial destiny with very little possibility of another crash like the 2008 financial crises. They’re exposed to a much more robust portfolio of money making opportunities. Their data is secure from leaks and spying, plus autocratic regimes e.g., North Korea get little control over how their citizens can access the internet. Many benefits abound in web 3.
The major downside of web 3 will be difficulty in regulating activities on the networks. Lots of voting may have to occur to implement policies and this my be quite slow.
This regulation problem also constitutes the major obstacle in web 3 practicality. I call it the paradox of decentralized coordination as explained in this my article. How do you regulate a decentralized platform without centralized control? We’ll find out. Another problem is the numerous frauds and hacks already occurring on the network.
As highlighted in the story above, decentralization will likely remain a continuous struggle and future inventions may tackle these obstacles.
4. A Nod to Champions of Decentralization
Space Coin remains a top web 3 project that I find quite promising and exciting. It is the worlds first web 3 project running on a network of decentralized satellite infrastructure. Space coin takes decentralization as far as the hardware level ensuring great difficulty for any giant corporation which may seek to dominate the web 3 space when fully operational. I believe it holds great promise.
5. Conclusion
The internet has come a long way since its inception, with each new phase introducing innovations that shape the way we connect, share, and interact. From the early days of Web 1.0 to the rise of Web 2.0 and the promising future of Web 3.0, the internet continues to evolve, driven by new technologies such as transfer protocols, HTTP, and blockchain. As the internet becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, understanding these foundational technologies and their evolution is essential for navigating our developing information age.
In summary, web 3 is upon us presenting great opportunities for anyone around the world. To benefit from this revolution, here are the following suggestions.
- Consider investing in promising new crypto projects.
- Learn Web 3 programming to get a high paying job.
- Learn crypto trading.
