In the aftermath of an internet blackout in his country, Elisha Owusu Akyaw, the host of the podcast Hashing It Out, delves into the potential of blockchain technology to create a more autonomous internet. In a compelling interview with Arie Trouw, the co-founder of XYO Network, they discuss the concept of a sovereign internet and its implications for data sovereignty and privacy in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
During the conversation, Owusu Akyaw and Trouw explore pressing issues such as the spread of fake news and the integrity of elections, and how blockchain technology could provide a solution by verifying the authenticity of information on social media platforms. Trouw explains that a sovereign internet builds upon the original version of the internet (Web1) while incorporating the functionalities of Web2 and Web3.
In a sovereign internet, users have full ownership of their data, tools, and services, enabling them to share these resources with others without relying on central servers or third-party authorities. As major elections loom in 2024, the threat of fake news and deep fakes generated by artificial intelligence looms large, posing a risk to societal polarization.
Trouw acknowledges that blockchain may not be a panacea for this problem, as combating fake information requires individuals to be skeptical and motivated to verify the information they encounter online. However, he believes that once society cultivates a culture of information credibility verification, blockchain technology could serve as the ultimate method for authenticating the origin of internet-based information.
The remainder of the podcast explores additional use cases for blockchain technology in improving the internet, including the utilization of location data and the potential role of blockchain in identifying extraterrestrial life.
To gain further insights, listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode of Hashing It Out on popular podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and TuneIn. Additionally, Cointelegraph offers a diverse range of Web3 podcasts that can be explored in their growing catalog.
It is important to note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or investment advice. The opinions expressed by the author are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.