The Dark Side of Decentralization: Can We Handle a Truly Free Internet?

Web3 Tech Brief By HackerNoon

This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/the-dark-side-of-decentralization-can-we-handle-a-truly-free-internet.
Explore the potential dangers of a completely decentralized internet, examining the challenges and risks associated with absolute online freedom.
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Decentralization is a seductive idea: a web owned by its users, free from censorship and algorithmic control. But the promise of freedom can’t blind us to the complexities and downsides. Network effects and switching costs still tie us to the big platforms. Algorithms won’t disappear; they’ll just move from corporate back rooms to community servers where new power dynamics will play out. Infrastructure and legal frameworks are still centralized and present choke points.