Can Blockchains Create A Truly Censorship-Resistant Internet?
This month, protestors flooded the streets of Bangladesh, fighting against a controversial government job quota system. As the protests gathered pace, the government turned to an increasingly popular instrument of repression: shutting down the internet. The internet went dark for several days as the state hoped that this would prevent the protesters from organizing.
This time, the state failed to thwart the will of the people. The brave men and women pushed on despite the internet blackout, and it now appears, albeit after over 300 deaths, that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule is over.
Even though the internet blackout wasn't enough to save the Bangladeshi establishment from the will of its own people, this case study is just the latest in a string of incidents that remind us of how vulnerable the centralized internet is to manipulation by the state.
Blockchain technology is arguably the single most viable alternative to the current centralized internet model. It presents a new way of communicating online, one that is censorship-resistant and can’t be controlled by bad actors such as governments that don’t want their people to protest and exchange information online.
Censorship Resistance and Blockchain-Based Internet
A censorship-resistant internet built on blockchain technology would allow information to flow freely, unconstrained by the whims of centralized authorities. This vision is grounded in blockchains' unique properties: their decentralization, immutability, and transparency.
Decentralization ensures that no single entity controls the network, making it difficult for any single actor to censor content or manipulate information. Immutability guarantees that once data is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted, preserving the integrity of information. Transparency allows for public verification of data and transactions, resulting in accountability and trust.
In this blockchain-powered internet, content creators and consumers would interact directly, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like internet service providers and social media platforms. Data would be stored on a distributed network of nodes, making it resistant to takedown requests or censorship attempts. Blockchain-based domain name systems would provide resilient alternatives to traditional DNS, preventing the blocking of websites or platforms.
Giving Power Back To The People
Let’s return to the example of Bangladesh to better understand how the past month would have potentially played out if the protestors had access to censorship-resistant internet.
The lack of a central point of control means there's no single "off switch" for the government to flip. Even if traditional ISPs are coerced into compliance, blockchain-based networks and platforms would continue to operate, enabling individuals to access information, share content, and coordinate their efforts.
This resilience stems from the distributed nature of blockchain technology. Data is stored across a vast network of nodes, making it virtually impossible to censor or suppress completely. Attempts to block specific websites or IP addresses would be futile, as content could be accessed through alternative channels, such as peer-to-peer networks or decentralized storage solutions.
So, even as the government tries to suppress information, the movement accesses critical news and resources through peer-to-peer networks and decentralized storage solutions. The movement stays connected, informed, and empowered, proving that a truly censorship-resistant internet isn't just a technological ideal—it's a vital safeguard for democracy and freedom of expression.
Beyond Bangladesh: A Censored World for Billions
The struggle against internet censorship extends far beyond Bangladesh, affecting billions of people worldwide who live under the constant shadow of restricted access to information and communication. From Russia's crackdown on independent media and social networks to Iran's extensive filtering and surveillance systems to North Korea's near-total isolation from the global internet, censorship has become a pervasive tool of control for authoritarian regimes.
This reality starkly contrasts with the original vision of the internet as a democratizing force, a space where information flows freely and individuals can connect and organize without fear of reprisal. Censorship undermines this vision and violates fundamental human rights, stifling freedom of expression, hindering access to knowledge, and impeding social progress.
The urgency of building a censorship-resistant internet cannot be overstated. It's not just about protecting the rights of individuals in specific countries; it's about safeguarding the very essence of the Internet as a platform for open dialogue, innovation, and collective empowerment.
Blockchain Platforms: Censorship Resistance In Action
While the vision of a fully censorship-resistant internet powered by blockchain technology is still in its early stages, several projects and initiatives are actively exploring its potential and laying the groundwork for a more open and decentralized web:
Decentralized Content Platforms: Platforms like Steemit and LBRY utilize blockchain to store and distribute content, making censorship or removal difficult.
Blockchain-Based Social Networks: Minds and Mastodon leverage blockchain to promote free speech and resist censorship through decentralized control and data storage.
Decentralized Domain Name Systems (DNS): Projects like Unstoppable Domains and Handshake develop blockchain-based DNS alternatives for censorship-resistant website addresses.
Decentralized Storage Networks: Platforms like IPFS and Filecoin allow users to store and share files on a distributed network, preventing censorship and removal.
Blockchain-Based VPNs and Proxies: Projects explore the use of blockchain for decentralized VPNs and proxies to bypass censorship and access blocked content with enhanced privacy.
The R0AR DAO: Pioneering Decentralized Management
The R0AR Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is contributing to the movement towards decentralized systems, spanning various domains from decentralized finance (DeFi) to decentralized digital collectibles trading. It shows the potential of blockchain technology to create transparent, community-driven governance models that are resistant to censorship and manipulation.
Using smart contracts and token-based voting mechanisms, the R0AR DAO empowers its members to participate directly in decision-making processes, ensuring that control remains distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few. This decentralized approach encourages a more inclusive and equitable environment where diverse perspectives can be heard and considered.
Furthermore, the R0AR DAO's focus on DeFi and NFT trading highlights the potential of blockchain to revolutionize traditional financial and creative industries. By enabling peer-to-peer transactions and eliminating intermediaries, blockchain-based platforms can create more open and accessible markets, free from the restrictions and censorship often imposed by centralized institutions.
Final Thoughts on Censorship Resistance and Blockchain Technology
The protests in Bangladesh and the proceeding internet shutdown are just another example of the long list of events that have shown us the need for a truly censorship-resistant internet. Blockchain technology is the only real alternative to the centralized model underpinning the World Wide Web. Through decentralized networks of nodes, on-chain DNS solutions, and DAOs for governance, Web3 is already building a free and transparent internet where everyone can access information regardless of whether the government likes it or not.
Unfortunately, the Bangladeshi government’s censorship won’t be the final time citizens lose their access to the internet. But things are slowly changing thanks to the pioneers in the blockchain industry, and one day, we might just wake up in a world where no single central authority can manipulate and control the flow of information online.
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