The Open Web - What It Is and Why You Should Care

The "Open Web" concept isn’t new, but it’s seeing a lot of recent traction. This is especially true within the circles of Web3 enthusiasts and crypto investors. One of the main reasons for this is security and inequity with everything from finance to social media.

But what exactly does it mean, and why should anyone care? In a recent interview, Joshua Meng, the founder of a leading open web project, RSS3, had much to say about many of these topics.

He discussed the nuances of the Open Web, Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), and the current state of Web3. Thanks to his help, almost anyone should be able to understand why these concepts are integral to the future of the internet.

The Open Web Explained

The Open Web refers to the idea of a free, decentralized, and accessible internet. It is a movement towards creating an online space without gatekeepers or central authorities controlling content and access.

“For me, and I think for my team, Open means an efficient, accessible, free, transparent, and verifiable flow of data, akin to electricity in this digital era, where this Openness would benefit all and promote innovation,” said Meng.

In contrast, the current internet landscape is heavily dominated by a few large tech companies, which have significant control over user data, content distribution, and monetization.

Essentially, they control the money, the information, and even the words people are allowed to use on their platforms.

With the rise of Web3 technologies like blockchain and peer-to-peer networks, the concept of the Open Web has gained renewed attention.

These technologies enable individuals to create, store, access, and transact with digital assets without intermediaries or third-party involvement. This shift towards decentralization aligns with the original vision of the World Wide Web as a decentralized network of information exchange.

The Importance of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks

At the heart of the Open Web is Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). These networks rely on decentralized and distributed physical infrastructure, such as computing power and storage devices, to facilitate data transfer and processing.

DePINs are essential for creating a truly decentralized internet, where data can be stored and accessed without relying on centralized servers.

“It provides a way for the mass public to participate in a more equitable and transparent maintenance and management of infrastructure, which would not have been possible without decentralized networks such as blockchains. As our societies and economies mature, over-reliance on centralized infrastructure can become very dangerous to public well-being in times of instability. This is also why our vision is to create a new Internet, called the Open Web, that gives the power back to the public instead of a select few,” added Meng.

The reliance on centralized servers has long been a cause for concern regarding security, accessibility, and control over user data. DePINs can address these issues by distributing the responsibility of storing and transferring data among network participants.

This increases security and allows individuals to monetize their unused computing resources.

The Current State of Web3

Web3 is still in its early stages, with many projects and protocols being developed to enable a truly decentralized internet.

However, significant developments in the space, such as the rise of decentralized applications (dApps), decentralized artificial intelligence (deAI), and decentralized finance (DeFi), are already underway.

The potential of Web3 technologies goes beyond creating a more open Internet. The biggest problem? It needs more users.

“An area we can focus more on is onboarding more new users to Web3,” admitted Meng.

These companies can potentially disrupt various industries by providing new ways for data management, content distribution, AI decentralization, and value exchange. As these technologies evolve and gain adoption, we will see a shift towards a more equitable and inclusive digital landscape.

Why You Should Care

The Open Web and Web3 technologies hold immense potential for creating a more democratic, transparent, and secure Internet. By embracing these concepts, we can break away from the current centralized internet model that has led to data breaches, censorship, and inequality. Additionally, being an early adopter in this space presents valuable opportunities for innovation and potentially lucrative investment chances.

Moreover, supporting the Open Web means contributing to a movement towards a more equitable digital future for all. It allows individuals to control their data and participate in a fairer internet economy.

Open Web Is the Champion Everyone Deserves

In a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions, the Open Web represents a transformative vision for the future of the internet. Championing decentralization, transparency, and user empowerment can dismantle tech giants' monopolistic hold and promote a more democratic online ecosystem.

The advancements in Web3 technologies, such as dApps and decentralized AI training,  illustrate the viability and potential of this vision. However, achieving a full-fledged Open Web requires concerted efforts to onboard more users and foster innovation within the space.