The decentralization of the web is a possibility that is more current than ever, but that not everyone knows about. Today we are going to expand on what was discussed in the article on Web3.0, where we introduced the decentralized web, focusing on the opportunities that it offers blockchain. Opportunities that could help create a clearer, more regular digital environment where users are the true owners of their own data personal data. Which, at least today, is far from being true. In fact, large multinationals that provide modular and complete services, today do not guarantee effective ownership or control and monitoring of their data.
This is the sensitive nerve that leads many people to resort to alternative solutions, which already exist, or to create and search for them... even without knowing it. This article is especially for those who are not yet familiar with, but could appreciate, the idea of a decentralized web.
Let's start by clarifying better what blockchain is.
Content index
What is blockchain and how does it work?
Blockchain is a technology based on a distributed ledger. This allows for record transactions securely and transparently without the need for a central authority. Its operation is based on a network of nodes that actively participate in validating transactions through consensus mechanisms. Each transaction is collected in a block. Once the block is approved, it is added to a chain of previous blocks. In this way, the chain from which the name blockchain derives is formed.
The data is then distributed among all the nodes of the network. In fact, each participant in the blockchain has access to a copy of the ledger, which means you don't have to rely on a middleman to ensure the accuracy of the information.
This mechanism reduces the possibility of data manipulation or corruption., and above all it eliminates intermediaries that with this system, we repeat, would become practically useless. The fact is, however, that the user who accesses the blockchain must be educated on the technology he is using and, first, know how to access it and even where to find access points. And this, at least today, is much less immediate than the centralized web.
The Centralized Web: Problems and Limitations
The current web is highly centralized, with most online activity controlled by few big tech companies. Thanks to their enormous access to user data, they exercise a significant control over what is viewed, shared and monetized online. This concentration of power leads to several problems, including a non-transparent management of personal data, often used for commercial purposes without clear consent from users (see the sue Google for anonymous browsing) or to train models artificial intelligence.
The main risks and disadvantages of the centralized web are:
- the loss of privacy,
- censorship of information and opinions,
- economic monopoly on the value generated online,
- disinformation.
The Role of Blockchain in Decentralizing the Web
Blockchain plays a key role in the decentralization of the web. In fact distributes data control on a network of independent nodes rather than centralizing it in a single point. This feature eliminates the intermediation of large companies that monopolize resources allowing users to interact directly with each other. In a decentralized web based on blockchain, information and data are not stored on centralized servers, but distributed among the participants of the network, ensuring greater transparency and resistance to censorship.
Various projects and platforms based on DApps are already using blockchain to create an ecosystem where users own and control their data. Instead of relying on centralized platforms, users can access online services through smart contracts, which automatically manage transactions.
Other protocols, such as IPFS, decentralize file storage, making the web less vulnerable to censorship or cyber attacks.
Practical examples based on blockchain
Now that we have seen the critical issues of the current centralized web and the possibilities offered by blockchain, we just have to see practical examples.
One of the best known examples is Ethereum a platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and DApps that operate without intermediaries. In fact, it offers a network on which developers and users can interact directly, making online services more transparent and resistant to censorship.
Another innovative project is the IPFS protocol mentioned before. This is a distributed storage protocol that decentralizes how files are managed online. With IPFS, data does not reside on a single server, but is distributed across multiple nodes in the network, increasing the security and availability of information.
Finally the browser Brave It is a concrete example of how blockchain can be used to give users back control of their browsing experience.. Brave in fact blocks invasive advertising and trackers, offering users the optional possibility of earn BAT tokens by viewing ads chosen by them. Tokens that can be converted into other cryptocurrencies or traditional money, or used for online purchases, donations or to support content creators.
There are many other projects and more will continue to grow… maybe you could develop one yourself!
In any case, now that you have a foundation to build on, you can continue to discover these possibilities by exploring on your own.
