In the wake of a recent internet blackout in his country, Elisha Owusu Akyaw, the host of “Hashing It Out,” delves into the concept of a more sovereign internet with Arie Trouw, the co-founder of XYO Network. The episode explores the topics of data sovereignty and privacy in the ever-changing landscape of the internet. Owusu Akyaw and Trouw discuss emerging issues such as fake news and elections, and how blockchain technology could potentially authenticate information on social media platforms.
Trouw explains that the sovereign internet is based on the original version of the internet (Web1), but incorporates the functionalities of Web2 and Web3. In a sovereign internet, users have ownership of their own data sets, tools, and services, which can be shared with others without the need for a central server or third-party authority.
As major elections loom in 2024, the proliferation of fake news and AI-generated deep fakes poses a threat to societal polarization. Trouw acknowledges that blockchain may not be the immediate solution to this problem, as combating fake information requires individuals to be skeptical and have the inclination to verify everything they encounter online.
However, Trouw believes that once society develops a culture that values the verification of information, blockchain technology could serve as the ultimate method to authenticate the origin of information on the internet.
The remainder of the podcast explores additional use cases for blockchain technology in creating a better internet, including the use of location data and the potential role of blockchain in identifying extraterrestrial life.
To listen to the full episode of “Hashing It Out,” visit Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, or your preferred podcast platform. Also, don’t forget to explore Cointelegraph’s extensive catalog of Web3 podcasts.
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