This week, Frequency – a cutting-edge blockchain built to handle high-volume use cases, enabling builders to create decentralized social applications at massive scale leveraging the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP), together with MeWe – a privacy-first social network designed to empower users with control over their data, reinforcing a privacy-first approach, and shifting from Web 2.0 to leverage Web3 and blockchain technologies – announced over 1 million users “on-chain via the Frequency Layer 1 blockchain.” 

What is the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP)?

The Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP) is an open-source protocol designed to enable decentralized social networking. The primary goal of DSNP is to give users control over their social media data, content, and interactions by moving away from centralized platforms that own and monetize user data.

Key Features of DSNP

1. Decentralization: Unlike traditional social media platforms controlled by a central entity, DSNP enables a distributed network where users have direct control over their data and connections.

2. User Ownership of Data: DSNP allows users to own their social media content and connections. Users can move between different platforms without losing their data or connections, as the data is not locked into a single platform.

3. Interoperability: The protocol is designed to be platform-agnostic, enabling various social media applications to interact with each other seamlessly. This allows users to maintain a unified social experience across different apps.

4. Privacy and Security: By leveraging cryptographic methods, DSNP aims to enhance privacy and security, giving users more control over who can access their data.

5. Transparency: DSNP uses blockchain technology to ensure transparency and immutability of records, which can help in reducing misinformation and manipulation.

6. Freedom of Expression: The decentralized nature of the protocol reduces the influence of centralized entities that might otherwise censor or control content, thereby supporting greater freedom of expression.

Applications

DSNP is intended for a broad range of social networking applications, from traditional social media platforms to niche communities, enabling a more open and user-centric social networking experience.

The protocol is part of a growing movement towards Web3, where users have greater autonomy and ownership in the digital space, in contrast to the traditional Web2 model dominated by large tech companies.

For more information about DSNP – its origin story, technical specifications, and codebase, amongst other resources – go to DSNP.org.  

Frequency.xyz

Frequency is a cutting-edge blockchain built to handle high-volume use cases, enabling builders to create decentralized social applications at massive scale. Traditional blockchains face volatile, high transaction costs that are impractical for social networking. Frequency revolutionizes this with a unique pricing model, allowing builders to reserve predictable, low-cost transaction capacity. Designed to power the Social Web, Frequency seamlessly integrates core social networking functions directly into the internet. Leveraging the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP), Frequency lays the foundation for a more open, interconnected online world. By connecting to DSNP, applications can efficiently deliver Web3 features to vast user bases, harnessing the powerful network effects of a shared, universal social graph.

Mewe.com

MeWe is a privacy-first social network boasting over 20 million global users and more than 700,000 interest groups. MeWe’s mission centers on empowering users with control over their data while ensuring a superior user experience. Unlike traditional platforms, MeWe is ad-free, avoids targeting practices, refrains from manipulating news feeds, and does not amplify misinformation. It is accessible on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, supporting over 20 languages across 200 countries and territories. Under the leadership of Jeffrey Edell, appointed Chairman and CEO in March 2021, MeWe has made significant strides in enhancing the user experience, expanding membership, reinforcing a privacy-first approach, and shifting from Web 2.0 to leverage Web3 and blockchain technologies. In 2022, MeWe integrated the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP) developed by Project Liberty. Today, MeWe has over 1 million users on-chain via the Frequency Layer 1 blockchain, with over 530,000 users owning their social graph. Founded by civic entrepreneur Frank McCourt, Project Liberty aims to builds solutions that help people take back control of their digital lives by reclaiming a voice, choice, and stake in a better internet–aligning with MeWe’s commitment to user protection and control.

Project Liberty Labs

We accelerate the world’s transition to an open, inclusive data economy that puts citizens in control.  Project Liberty is stitching together an ecosystem of technologists, academics, policymakers and citizens committed to building a better internet—where the data is ours to manage, the platforms are ours to govern, and the power is ours to reclaim.  Labs is at the forefront of transforming the digital landscape. As a pivotal part of Project Liberty initiated by McCourt Global, we are committed to empowering creators to innovate within the realm of social applications. Our mission harnesses cutting-edge technology to build essential infrastructure for the next evolution of digital interaction.  We accelerate the world’s transition to an open, inclusive data economy that puts citizens in control.

For the full announcement of the million user milestone reached by Frequency and MeWe, go to Frequency Blockchain Celebrates Over 1 Million Users in Partnership with MeWe.  

What Next? The Future of DSNP and Digital Self-sovereignty, Data Ownership, Data Control, and Privacy 

The future of DSNP and digital self-sovereignty is uncertain, and multiple scenarios could unfold depending on technological developments, public adoption, and regulatory environments. The most likely outcome may involve a combination of these scenarios, where decentralized networks grow alongside existing centralized platforms, gradually shifting the balance of power towards individuals and communities.

The future of the Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP) and the broader concepts of digital self-sovereignty, data ownership, data control, and privacy can unfold in several possible scenarios. These scenarios are shaped by technological advances, regulatory changes, and shifts in public attitudes towards data privacy and control.

1. Widespread Adoption and User Empowerment

• Scenario: DSNP gains widespread adoption, leading to a fundamental shift in how social networks operate. Users increasingly choose platforms built on DSNP or similar protocols, prioritizing privacy, ownership, and control over convenience. This creates a decentralized ecosystem where users can seamlessly move between platforms without losing their data or connections.
• Outcome: Users become the true owners of their digital identities, and large tech companies lose their monopolistic hold on data. Data portability becomes the norm, and individuals can easily control who accesses their data, monetize it on their terms, or choose complete privacy.
• Implications: A robust market for decentralized applications (dApps) emerges, and traditional social media giants are forced to adapt or face obsolescence. Governments may adopt regulatory frameworks that support data sovereignty, further encouraging decentralized models.

2. Coexistence with Centralized Platforms

• Scenario: DSNP and decentralized platforms coexist with centralized platforms. While decentralized networks grow, many users remain on centralized platforms due to inertia, ease of use, or lack of awareness. Interoperability between centralized and decentralized systems improves, allowing users some level of data portability and control even on traditional platforms.
• Outcome: A hybrid ecosystem develops, where users have more choices and can balance convenience with control. Centralized platforms may introduce limited data ownership features to retain users, but they still hold significant control over user data.
• Implications: This scenario leads to a more competitive landscape where decentralized networks push centralized platforms to adopt better privacy practices. However, true digital self-sovereignty remains only partially realized.

3. Regulatory-Driven Adoption

• Scenario: Governments and regulatory bodies recognize the need for greater data privacy and control, leading to regulations that favor decentralized networks like DSNP. Policies mandate data portability, transparency, and user consent, effectively forcing centralized platforms to adopt decentralized principles.
• Outcome: Regulatory pressure accelerates the adoption of DSNP and similar protocols, as companies comply with new laws or face penalties. Users benefit from enhanced privacy and control, even if they remain on traditional platforms.
• Implications: A regulatory-driven scenario could create a more equitable digital landscape but may also result in slower innovation due to compliance costs and bureaucratic hurdles. However, it could ensure that digital self-sovereignty is not just a niche concept but a standard practice.

4. Fragmentation and Balkanization

• Scenario: The growth of decentralized networks leads to fragmentation, where multiple incompatible protocols and platforms emerge. Users face challenges in maintaining cross-platform connections, and the decentralized ecosystem becomes difficult to navigate for the average person.
• Outcome: While some users achieve high levels of data sovereignty, many others struggle with the complexity of managing multiple identities and data silos. Centralized platforms capitalize on this confusion by offering simplified, but more controlled, experiences.
• Implications: This scenario could lead to the digital equivalent of “walled gardens,” where users are trapped in specific ecosystems with limited interoperability. The dream of true digital self-sovereignty might only be realized by a tech-savvy minority.

5. Backlash and Reversion to Centralization

• Scenario: As decentralized networks grow, challenges such as misinformation, illegal content, and lack of accountability become more pronounced. A public backlash occurs, and there is a demand for the oversight and control that centralized platforms provide.
• Outcome: Centralized platforms regain popularity as they promise safety, reliability, and simplicity. DSNP and similar protocols are pushed to the fringes, appealing only to privacy-conscious or ideological users.
• Implications: Digital self-sovereignty may be viewed as a failed experiment, and society could see a reversion to centralized control with even greater surveillance and data exploitation. The pendulum swings back towards convenience over privacy.

6. Tech-Driven Utopia

• Scenario: Technological advancements in blockchain, cryptography, and AI lead to a seamless and highly user-friendly decentralized ecosystem. DSNP and other protocols become the backbone of a new digital society where data sovereignty, privacy, and security are effortlessly maintained.
• Outcome: Users enjoy complete control over their digital identities, with AI-driven tools managing their data across platforms. Decentralization becomes the default, and centralized control over personal data is a relic of the past.
• Implications: In this ideal scenario, digital self-sovereignty is universally achieved, leading to a more equitable and transparent digital world. Trust in digital systems is restored, and individuals are empowered like never before.

https://oodaloop.com/archive/2024/06/12/exponential-technologies-and-the-future-of-digital-self-sovereignty/

Additional OODA Loop Resources

For our News Briefs and Original Analysis research efforts to date on this topic, go to OODA Loop | Digital Self-Sovereignty

Related topics include:    OODA Loop | Blockchain    OODA Loop | Trust      OODA Loop | Zero Trust    OODA Loop | Trustworthy AI

The OODA Loop Digital Self-Sovereignty Research Initiative

Digital self-sovereignty is the new “build”  as legacy systems get swapped out in a sometimes violent, always exponential fashion. To be clear, we are positioning digital self-sovereignty as a solution to our current problem set that will “still stand” even if this current geopolitical, exponential technology-driven inflection point manifests  – for a prolonged period  – as dark age-esque global societal systemic failure (per The Ministry of the Future). Ironically, this same uncertainty, chaos, and violence are the primary drivers (and new incentive structure) behind this new system’s development.  In this post, we “set levels” and offer working definitions for our forthcoming Q324 (going right into OODAcon 2024) series of posts as part of our Digital Self-Sovereignty Research Initiative.

NOTE:  This OODA Loop Original Analysis was partially generated with the cognitive augmentation of and in collaboration with ALTzero Project – MattGPT.

Artificial Intelligence, The Metaverse, Compute, and The Future of Digital Identity Frameworks:  The title of this post says it all: you will find here an OODA Loop original analysis of Artificial Intelligence, The Metaverse, Compute, and The Future of Digital Identity Frameworks as part of our Digital Self-Sovereignty Research Initiative.     

The Blockchain-based Root Name System (RNS) is Poised to Swap Out Traditional Domain Name Systems (DNS):  The blockchain-based Root Name System (RNS) leverages blockchain technology to manage domain names in a decentralized manner – and is the core design and technical element of this blockchain-based use case, The Digital Residency Program of the Pacific Island Nation of Palau.  Find an overview of RNS here. 

Rise of the Metaverse: The Metaverse, an immersive digital universe, is expected to reshape internet interactions, education, social networking, and entertainment. See Future of the Metaverse.

Technology Convergence and Market Disruption: Rapid technological advancements are changing market dynamics and user expectations. See Disruptive and Exponential Technologies.

The New Tech Trinity: Artificial Intelligence, BioTech, Quantum Tech: Will make monumental shifts in the world. This new Tech Trinity will redefine our economy, both threaten and fortify our national security, and revolutionize our intelligence community. None of us are ready for this. This convergence requires a deepened commitment to foresight and preparation and planning on a level that is not occurring anywhere. The New Tech Trinity.

The Revolution in Biology: This post provides an overview of key thrusts of the transformation underway in biology and offers seven topics business leaders should consider when updating business strategy to optimize opportunity because of these changes. For more, see:  The Executive’s Guide To The Revolution in Biology

AI Discipline Interdependence: There are concerns about uncontrolled AI growth, with many experts calling for robust AI governance. Both positive and negative impacts of AI need assessment. See: Using AI for Competitive Advantage in Business.

Benefits of Automation and New Technology: Automation, AI, robotics, and Robotic Process Automation are improving business efficiency. New sensors, especially quantum ones, are revolutionizing healthcare and national security sectors. Advanced WiFi, cellular, and space-based communication technologies enhance distributed work capabilities. See: Advanced Automation and New Technologies

Materials Science Revolution: Room-temperature ambient pressure superconductors represent a significant innovation. Sustainability gets a boost with reprocessable materials. Energy storage sees innovations in solid-state batteries and advanced supercapacitors. Smart textiles pave the way for health-monitoring and self-healing fabrics. 3D printing materials promise disruptions in various sectors. Perovskites offer versatile applications, from solar power to quantum computing. See: Materials Science