Decentralized Web: The Rise Of Independent Internet

Your unique data in the hands of centralized companies–Aren’t you afraid of it being hacked or lost? So, Is there a solution? Fortunately, yes! It’s decentralization. When millions of devices are linked together in an open network, and the internet is controlled by many, then we call it decentralization. You cannot own a decentralized web alone, change it, or switch it off for all. In the history of humanity, the Internet and the World Wide Web are the largest decentralized channels of communication– where people can access and create information independently. However, every coin has two sides. Let’s explore healthy and unhealthy Decentralized communication systems. 

Healthy Decentralized Communication 

Many people choose to come out of the den of centralized companies and walled gardens of social media. There are above 1 billion decentralized domain name systems, wherein 27% are powered by WordPress. WordPress is an open-source content management system that is free and easy to use without coding.  

Surprisingly, the core doctrine of the internet is to treat every content similarly. The process of treating content the same is known as net neutrality. However, many big companies charge differently for distinct content at various speeds. It impacts our user experience and prevents us from independent decision-making. So, many countries like the US, EU, and India formed laws to protect net neutrality. Interestingly, the US government hasn't controlled the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS) since 2016 and gave the responsibility to ICANN– which is considered just a formality. However, it’s a global commitment to a decentralized web.  

Today, developers are trying to build decentralized apps like peer-to-peer computer networks that employ blockchains. Blockchain is a ledger system of digital currencies that aids with transactions and sets a goal for the internet without web servers.

Unhealthy Centralized Communication 

You or your close ones must be using any or most of the platforms, mainly Facebook, Google, Apple, Tencent, Alibaba, and Amazon. These are prominent companies that rule the internet globally. While you may be enjoying their services, it’s worth noticing that they shape our human communication and control our wealth successfully. For example, smartphones. Which are the top two operating systems that click in your mind instantly? It must be IOS (Apple) and (Google) Android. From how your phones will operate to which apps you can download– everything is in the hands of these types of companies. Moreover, except in China, in every country, our messaging is controlled by centralized companies like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Whereas, in China, WeChat is used by 90% of mobile users, depicting its dominance. WeChat is so centralized that it successfully controls dating, banking, ordering taxis, shopping, and more.  

Summing Up 

The centralization doesn’t give space to other web developers and there’s less chance of them being explored in the market. Therefore, to choose to showcase creativity and skills through their work, many people choose decentralized platforms. Centralized experience isn’t healthy for developers, destroys the competition, and gives companies use data. Choosing a decentralized web is always better.