After enduring a week-long blackout of the internet in his country, Elisha Owusu Akyaw, the host of the talk show “Hashing It Out,” seeks answers on how blockchain technology can create a more independent internet. In his interview with Arie Trouw, the co-founder of XYO Network, they also delve into the topics of data sovereignty and the significance of privacy in today’s ever-changing internet landscape. The conversation between Owusu Akyaw and Trouw explores emerging issues such as elections and fake news, and how blockchain technology could potentially authenticate information on social media.
Trouw explains that the concept of a sovereign internet is based on the original version of the internet (Web1), but with the functionalities of Web2 and Web3. In a sovereign internet, users have ownership of their own data, tools, and services, which can be shared with others without the need for a central server or third-party authority.
As major global elections approach in 2024, the proliferation of fake news and AI-generated deep fakes poses a threat to exacerbating societal divisions. Trouw acknowledges that blockchain may not be the definitive solution to this problem, as addressing fake information on the internet requires individuals to be skeptical and motivated to verify the authenticity of what they read.
However, Trouw believes that when society cultivates a culture of seeking credibility in information, blockchain technology can serve as the ultimate means of authenticating the origin of information on the internet.
The remainder of the podcast delves into various other use cases of blockchain technology in building a better internet, such as leveraging location data and exploring the potential role of blockchain in identifying extraterrestrial beings.
To listen to the full episode of “Hashing It Out,” you can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to explore Cointelegraph’s expanding collection of Web3 podcasts.
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