How Blockchain Technology Will Decentralize The Web?

By Author: alicia adley
Total Articles: 73
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As the Internet has become a modern-day necessity, there is a rising movement to liberate it from the control of governmental agencies and big IT firms. Many internet users are concerned about firms tracking and selling their most sensitive information.

These challenges have spawned a novel idea: a decentralised version of the Internet built on open-source blockchain networks. Several efforts aim to replace critical internet infrastructure components with decentralised, peer-to-peer systems that do not rely on a single middleman or point of failure.

Naturally, blockchain education is on the increase, as more individuals turn to blockchain technology to be competitive in today's environment.
The Problems of a Centralized Internet
Corporations, application developers, and governments frequently collect and aggregate user data, and the Internet is constantly monitored. A blockchain-based solution that replaces Internet behemoths with a peer-to-peer network of providers may solve this ...
... problem.

In this scenario, members of the community would own and manage the infrastructure used for storage and processing. This would deprive the government or corporate entities of power while maintaining net neutrality.

Projects for a Decentralized Internet

Several projects are seeking to replace crucial Internet services with blockchain-based alternatives. For example, Filecoin intends to replace centralised cloud storage providers with a decentralised file storage network that enables users to rent out empty hard drive space for money. The files are encrypted, which ensures data security while also enabling clients to rent external storage.

Another company, Blockstack, is working to create a new layer for the existing Internet that will enable decentralised apps. Instead of transmitting text, photos, and files via a centralised middleman, users would be able to exchange data using locally-run applications while still retaining control of their data.

A decentralised Internet might potentially result in significant cost reductions, albeit this is subject to market forces. Instead of depending on Internet Service Providers, anybody with an Internet connection may provide simple cloud services.

Problems with the Blockchain Internet

While the notion of a blockchain-based Internet seems to be viable, there are a number of significant impediments. As with past blockchain efforts, attracting a critical mass of users so that the platform can benefit from network effects will be one of the most challenging challenges.
Second, abuse due to anonymity is a major concern in the blockchain industry, including the use of cryptocurrencies for illicit purposes such as the selling of illegal drugs or weapons. Given that data privacy is a primary aim of the decentralised Internet, it is unclear how — or even if — such a system would prevent users from participating in illicit behaviour.

Finishing up

While the notion of a decentralised blockchain-based Internet is gaining popularity, its implementation will need a realistic and balanced strategy throughout the whole ecosystem. Even under the most hopeful scenario, various difficulties must be solved before such a system can be made accessible to the great majority of Internet users. The concept is still developing, and its route to success may be lengthy and hazy.

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