Connect people and platforms: The identity-first path to decentralization

We have a people problem in web3. Unfortunately, despite the promise of decentralization and data ownership, platforms still don’t talk to each other very well. As a result, deep-rooted issues such as identity management, data sovereignty and privacy continue to plague our emerging sector.

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A unified framework is therefore the key to unlocking web3’s true potential: a framework that bridges the data gap and provides a decentralized identity with strong privacy protections. This approach provides a win-win situation for both sides of the stakeholder equation. Users benefit from cross-chain identity, data monetization, and a unified sense of self. Meanwhile, businesses gain access to rich and verified user data while maintaining privacy and regulatory compliance. Better yet, this identity-centric path to decentralization enables other new capabilities, such as on-chain reputation systems, chain-agnostic logins, and the use of AI data.

One thing is becoming increasingly clear in the early days of web3: we need to get the identity right to get decentralized ecosystems right. Let’s explore how we can best connect people and platforms in this brave new world of the internet.

A win-win for users and companies

If you look closer, you’ll notice that fragmented identities and disconnected data sovereignty are hindering interoperability on both the new and old internet, leaving users with scattered information across the digital airwaves. This lack of integration limits trust building and creates inefficiencies in industries – from advertising to AI – where coherent data is essential.

These problems are all too familiar. Web2 social media giants and search conglomerates centralize identities but fail to connect them across platforms. The result? Siled, static profiles owned by platforms and not people. Web3 promises a solution: decentralized, interoperable identities owned by individuals. However, it proves difficult to put this into practice.

While web3 improves on its predecessor, true interoperability and seamless identity management remain elusive. However, emerging protocols are tackling this head-on. Projects like LayerZero, which focuses on omnicchain interoperability, and Gitcoin Passport, which focuses on open-source identity verification, are just two projects paving the way.

As a result, the identity and data layer becomes a fundamental part of the web3 stack, and protocols and platforms can provide better digital identity management, on-chain reputation building, and data sovereignty.

As mentioned, this new reality benefits both users and companies. Users can better connect with their online identity by owning, managing, and monetizing their personal data. At the same time, they can communicate more securely and privately with dApps. CARV ID, powered by ERC-7231, illustrates this by allowing web3 gamers to collect and manage on-chain wallets and off-chain accounts in one place.

For businesses, identity and data layers provide access to verified and (most importantly) consenting user data, improving targeting, decision-making, and remarketing.

Better data, better results

The benefits don’t stop there. Unified Identity supports a range of applications that improve the experience for individuals and the ecosystem. For example, on-chain reputation systems allow users to build and maintain credibility across web platforms, while chain-agnostic logins allow games and applications to provide data access regardless of where they live. Additionally, truly interoperable decentralized identities facilitate secure account recovery – a crucial advancement for blockchain-based wallets that addresses a long-standing pain point.

Identity and data solutions also unlock other new possibilities. Privacy-preserving advertising becomes feasible when users can opt in and choose to have their information monetized on their terms. And as AI becomes more common, identity and the internet become the property of the user

Nowadays there is no difference between identity and digital identity. Working, socializing, gaming and more facets of modern life are increasingly happening online. That is why who we are and how we express ourselves must be connected via web3. Likewise, our online contributions – especially when used by companies for data harvesting and private profit – should be rewarded.

The annual web3 survey shows that 79% of respondents want more control over their identity on the internet. At the same time, 38% of respondents worldwide believe they are adequately compensated for the value and creativity they bring to the Internet.

These two ideas – identity verification and fair compensation – are inextricably linked. When people actually take ownership of their identity and can decide for themselves how to share or monetize their data, they will naturally be more fairly compensated for their digital contributions. This alignment is at the heart of creating a user-owned Internet that values ​​individuals over corporations.

It’s simple: forward-looking protocols and platforms put people first. If we can connect people to platforms that prioritize privacy, scalability, and interoperability, we have a much better chance of changing the digital status quo. Whether you are a user, developer or business leader, now is the time to shape and shape this future. Let’s seize it and build an internet that is truly for people, by people.

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