Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of the editorial team at crypto.news.
The global digital landscape experienced a significant surge in transformations and adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 3-4x increase in activity worldwide. At its peak in 2020, 58% of consumer interactions were conducted digitally.
Users, consumers, and employees embraced the advantages of digital interactions, such as increased flexibility, time savings, and more, leading to a preference for online channels as the “new normal” for both personal and professional communication.
While this shift towards digital communication is cause for celebration for tech enthusiasts, it is crucial to address and mitigate the associated risks. Centralized real-time communication (RTC) platforms like Skype, Zoom, and Slack pose significant threats to user privacy through data mining.
Addressing these issues is essential for users to fully harness the power of digital communication. The emergence of Web3 has opened up new opportunities in this area, with ongoing innovations in decentralized real-time communication (dRTC) that empower users to take control of their digital interactions and data.
Most existing RTC platforms operate as “private goods” focused on profit maximization, often engaging in data mining and monetization practices. This model compromises user privacy, as seen in cases where personal data is shared with third parties without consent.
Legacy RTC systems are also vulnerable to external hacks and breaches due to centralized structures, leading to concerns about data security and user privacy. The performance of these networks can also be impacted by sudden spikes in user activity, resulting in choppy communication experiences for some users.
The concept of privacy as a fundamental right has been overshadowed by corporate interests, leading to a lack of control over personal data. Web3 aims to change this narrative by prioritizing user privacy and autonomy in digital communication through decentralized frameworks and secure communication channels.
Decentralized RTC networks offer improved security, privacy, and performance, allowing users to communicate securely and anonymously. By shifting control back to the users, dRTC protocols ensure that data remains in the hands of individuals, promoting community-driven governance and fostering a more inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem.
Susmit Lavania, co-founder and CTO of Huddle01, is at the forefront of this digital revolution, leveraging blockchain and crypto-economics to create an open, secure, and borderless real-time communication platform. Huddle01’s innovative approach to decentralized communication is paving the way for a more user-centric and community-oriented digital future.