DNS is an essential component for internet access, but the traditional centralized structure is not suitable for the rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem. Currently, Web3 services rely on Web2-based access paths, revealing limitations such as the Single Point of Failure (SPoF) issue and the compromise of decentralization principles. To address these issues, this paper proposes Setonix, a blockchain-based decentralized DNS. Experimental results of the implemented Setonix showed that it had only a marginal performance difference of up to approximately 5% compared to Google and Cloudflare DNS. Additionally, it demonstrated over 95% lower latency compared to Handshake DNS, proving its high efficiency. Setonix eliminates dependency on centralized access paths and brings the hierarchical address structure of existing domain names into the blockchain network, adhering to legacy systems to minimize user resistance. Additionally, it provides a blockchain-based architecture that supports cross-compatibility between traditional domain names and Web3 domain names through a simple interface. This design significantly enhances the scalability and accessibility of Web3, presenting a new standard for decentralized internet services. By doing so, it helps to establish a foundation that contributes to the growth and innovation of the Web3 ecosystem.
Web3 has received considerable attention from industry and academia due to its groundbreaking revolution to decentralize the current centralized web. As a fundamental building block, blockchain provides web3 with the ability to rebuild trust in the trustless decentralized web. More and more blockchain-based web3 applications are taking place and becoming successful. Many web3 applications generate coupled data and transactions from multiple blockchains and demand efficient and atomic cross-blockchain transaction processing; however, existing approaches rarely consider transaction atomicity, and the processing efficiency is inferior. In this work, we formally model multi-blockchain systems and formulate the cross-blockchain transaction processing problem. Then, we propose a novel consensus mechanism, namely proof of credible contributions, to solve the efficiency and atomicity issues in cross-blockchain transaction processing. Inside, we define credible contributions as a measure of blockchain nodes’ credits and workload, so as to make nodes compete to handle as many cross-blockchain transactions as possible. Furthermore, we propose the flag-referenceconfirm protocol to guarantee transaction atomicity. Extensive experimental results indicate the efficiency and effectiveness of proof of credible contributions.
Abstract Plant diseases are considered as the major bottleneck for the farmers to monitor and diagnosis with the super intelligent methods. With the onset of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things(IoT), predicting the plant diseases in early stages has given the bright light of hope to farmers for boosting the productivity of agriculture in which increases the country’s economy. But the current advances in the IoT-AI-driven data gathers data from the agricultural fields and integrates the strong communication system for the early prediction and diagnosis process. Though these intelligent drive systems have several advantages, these procedure have been suffering from the varied security challenges which accelerates an outcry for a cognitive systems in the form of data breaches and privacy problems. The protection of patient data remains a significant concern due to the sensitivity and value of healthcare information, especially when transmitted over the Internet. This has heightened the demand for secure systems to safeguard against data breaches and privacy issues. Similarly, in agriculture, security challenges have been addressed using Web 3.0 and Blockchain technologies, which are favored for their immutable and decentralized features. This research proposes an advanced Web 3.0 Ensemble hybrid blockchain framework to enhance authentication security within the agricultural sector. To improve the authentication process further, chaotic maps are used to generate highly dynamic hashes during the creation of genesis blocks, ensuring that all data is securely stored in the recommended approach. The framework was tested on the Ethereum blockchain using Web 3.0, with Python 3.19 as the primary programming language for developing various interfaces. The security strength of the framework was thoroughly assessed using NIST standard tests, and its robustness was compared with other blockchain models. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides stronger defenses against various attacks and surpasses varied approaches in terms of complexity and robustness.
Abstract With the development of Web3 technologies, the third generation of the Internet has become one of the most promising areas. It involves the use of decentralized, transparent, and user-oriented applications. However, many Web3 projects do not pay sufficient attention to security, which can lead to serious consequences. Even a small error in the code can make the system vulnerable, opening access to attackers. As a result, the industry faces frequent security breaches that threaten users and undermine trust in new technologies. One of the main problems with Web3 is private key management. This is a critical security aspect that is directly related to the protection of digital assets and users' personal information. The risk of losing or theft of a private key can lead to irreparable consequences, since in the case of loss there is no way to restore or reset the key. Various ways of storing the private key of a crypto wallet to ensure security are discussed. For example, the key can be split into parts and stored encrypted on hardware media, or the entire encrypted key can be stored on secure media. Quantitative data are calculated using Shamir’s scheme.
As web technology continues to evolve, Web3.0 has gained significant attention for its decentralized features. The digital economy plays a crucial role in promoting high-quality economic growth and is currently expanding rapidly. However, the centralized nature of the Internet often leads to security challenges, such as data breaches and privacy violations. To address these issues, it is essential to explore how Web3.0 technologies can alleviate the difficulties faced in the digital economy. This paper discusses how Web3.0 can be integrated into the digital economy by examining recent advancements in areas like machine learning, finance, and data management. We hope this research will inspire both academics and industry professionals
The integration of technology into daily human lives has become indispensable, shaping society and emphasizing the role of humans in the development of society. This indispensable integration is illustrated by the global rise of Web3, a decentralized application ecosystem that utilizes advanced technologies, such as crypto assets, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and the Metaverse. These technologies offer significant benefits alongside unique risks and challenges, necessitating innovative regulatory strategies to address them. The inherent tension between promoting innovation and safeguarding citizens’ interests requires a flexible and comprehensive regulatory framework for Web3 in Kenya, capable of adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape while simultaneously managing emerging risks. This research aims to identify key principles for developing effective Web3 regulations and argues for Kenya’s regulatory recognition of Web3 technologies, emphasizing potential benefits such as increased innovation, digital sovereignty, financial independence, and economic development. It also explores different regulatory strategies, such as self-regulation, co-regulation, and the implementation of co-regulatory tools like public-private dialogue (PPD). The findings propose that Kenyan regulators should adopt flexible, forward-thinking regulatory strategies that can navigate the complexities introduced by these transformative technologies.
Cassio Renan Firmino das Chagas, João Marcelo Teixeira
A iniciativa Web3EduBrasil busca democratizar o acesso à educação sobre tecnologias Web3 no Brasil, promovendo um ambiente colaborativo onde tanto iniciantes quanto profissionais podem aprimorar seus conhecimentos e habilidades. Este artigo descreve a estrutura e os objetivos da Web3EduBrasil, incluindo seus Nós de Inovação, Programa de Mentoria e compromisso com os princípios ESG. A abordagem descentralizada da iniciativa capacita os participantes, promove a inclusão digital e impulsiona a inovação em diversos setores, como arte, negócios e sustentabilidade. Ao integrar educação, inovação e responsabilidade social, a Web3EduBrasil prepara os indivíduos para a participação ativa na economia digital descentralizada.
This study aims to identify and assess AI and blockchain solutions in relation to journalistic authenticity and integrity. Central to our exploration is the role of blockchain technology in verifying content provenance. As a key component of a global Web3 framework, blockchain could offer a foundation for authenticating the origins of content. In this article, we explore how blockchain, with its capacity for creating immutable and cryptographically signed data records, could be applied by journalists to verify photos, videos and documents. Our analysis identified nine blockchain-based solutions for content verification, with three platforms–Attestiv, OriginStamp, and Fact Protocol–showing particular promise for journalistic workflows. We conclude that while AI and blockchain solutions are currently available to journalists today, they require high-level technical expertise. Many media companies are now venturing into this field as well, thus affecting the professional role of journalists in general. In our study, it is evident that integrating AI and blockchain in journalism is not merely about adopting new tools but also about understanding their broader implications for journalism as a profession and the convergence in society. The focus must remain on enhancing journalistic integrity and public trust to ensure that these technological advances benefit the field of journalism and, by extension, the democratic processes it supports.
Este artigo examina o papel significativo das mulheres no ecossistema emergente da Web3, apresentando as realizações de oito mulheres notáveis na área. Ele analisa como suas contribuições, incluindo inovações tecnológicas e o desenvolvimento de comunidades inclusivas, estão influenciando o futuro das tecnologias descentralizadas da internet. Além disso, o artigo discute a relevância de iniciativas como o Web3EduBrasil, que se concentram em capacitar e educar mulheres, promovendo assim a diversidade e a inclusão no espaço Web3. Esses esforços contribuem para a equidade de gênero, ao mesmo tempo em que incentivam a criatividade e a inovação na indústria.
Emerging digital economies are increasingly exploring decentralized infrastructures to expand citizen participation and reduce reliance on a small number of dominant service providers. Indonesia, one of the fastest-growing economies in the global south, has significant potential to integrate Web3 technologies into its national Digital Public Infrastructure. While previous DPI initiatives in countries such as India and Estonia have shown the value of open standards and low-cost digital services, there is limited research on how decentralized systems can support higher level digital functions. This paper examines how real-world asset tokenization can serve as an important DPI component for Indonesia. The study analyzes global initiatives in asset tokenization and decentralized identity systems and evaluates how similar approaches can be adapted to Indonesia's socioeconomic environment. The paper argues that open protocols, standardized APIs, and community operated nodes can create a transparent and interoperable infrastructure for tokenized assets. This approach would allow local communities to participate directly in validating asset information and supporting network operations.
Distributed Hash Tables (DHT) is used for achieving robust routing and overlay for most Blockchain systems. In other words, DHT supports communication in a wide spectrum of Web3 and Blockchain applications, such as data sharing, content distribution, and distributed search engines. The decentralized nature of DHT introduces security and privacy vulnerabilities. Significant efforts have been devoted to making DHT more robust and augmenting DHT’s privacy guarantees. This paper proposes a novel design, namely NC-DHT, which has two main features: (i) NC-DHT tolerates Byzantine nodes, and (ii) NC-DHT provides initiator anonymity, query unlinkability and target privacy. To the best of our knowledge, NC-DHT is the first DHT that supports all these important features, which makes it suitable as an overlay for Blockchains. NC-DHT relies on a novel integration of quorum topology and network coding-based techniques.
Decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) is currently one of the hottest narratives in Web3. In this paper, we present a new thesis of DePIN, namely the modular DePIN infrastructure. By retrospecting the evolution of software development platforms for building physical infrastructure networks, we describe the new technology trend of building DePIN applications on top of a community-owned modular DePIN infrastructure and highlight the characteristics of this new DePIN thesis from both technical and economic perspectives. In particular, the emerging modular DePIN infrastructure brings a number of research challenges that need to be further addressed through collaboration between academia and industry.
Mikhail Dymkov, Vladimir Gorgadze, Alexey Karanyuk, Artem Barger
This paper establishes a groundbreaking framework for pinpointing and scrutinizing web3 protocols that display attributes akin to Ponzi schemes. We meticulously define the defining features of these protocols and introduce sophisticated methodologies to assess their stability, fine-tuning their parameters, and crafting economic mechanisms to boost their sustainability. The robustness of our framework is vividly showcased through comprehensive case studies of two prominent web3 protocols: Safemoon and Ethena. In the Ethena case study, we take a step further by devising an advanced economic mechanism for automatic interest rate regulation, employing an innovative feedback loop system.
As we stand on the cusp of this transformative era, the road ahead for Web3 and beyond is paved with boundless potential. This journey promises to redefine our digital landscape, fostering an internet where power is decentralized, privacy is paramount, and innovation knows no bounds. It is a future where our digital identities are truly our own, where communities thrive on trustless networks, and where technology empowers rather than controls. As we venture forward, let&s;s embrace the spirit of collaboration and creativity that will drive this revolution. Together, we can build a web that not only reflects our highest ideals but also unlocks new horizons of human potential, forging a brighter, more inclusive digital world for all. “The best way to predict the future is to invent it” – Alan Kay
As Web3 gains momentum and ushers in the era of decentralized applications and blockchain technology, developers are faced with new challenges in designing robust and scalable architectures. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a proven architectural pattern that provides a solution for building modular, interoperable, and scalable systems. In this chapter, we explore SOA in general, its benefits and challenges, and discuss how this architecture pattern can be applied to Web3 applications.
Cryptography plays a vital role in ensuring the security and privacy of blockchain networks, as well as Web3 dApps and wallets. This chapter describes some common cryptographic concepts and algorithms relevant to Web3, which include: Hash Functions : Hash functions transform data into fixed-length strings (hashes). In Web3, hashes are used to verify data integrity and create unique identifiers for transactions and blocks. Public and Private Key Pairs : Web3 relies on asymmetric encryption, where each user has a public key (used for encryption) and a corresponding private key (used for decryption). Public keys are openly shared, while private keys must remain confidential. Transactions and data integrity are secured using these key pairs. Symmetric Encryption : Symmetric encryption uses a single shared secret key for both encryption and decryption. While less common in Web3, it&s;s still relevant for certain use cases. Digital Signatures : Digital signatures provide proof of authenticity and integrity. When a user signs a transaction with their private key, others can verify it using the associated public key. Zero-Knowledge Proofs : Zero-Knowledge Proofs are cryptographic protocols that allow one party (the prover) to prove the truth of a statement to another party (the verifier) without revealing any additional information beyond the statement&s;s validity. In other words, ZKPs enable verification without disclosure.
Web3 applications, which are built on blockchain and decentralized technologies, introduce a unique set of security threats compared to traditional web applications. In this chapter we are going to look at some common security threats for Web3 applications and best practices to mitigate these risks.
Purpose Advancements in Internet technologies greatly influence digital humanities, yet research investigating web3 (i.e. the blockchain-based, decentralised web) within that domain remains limited. The purpose of this paper is to address that gap, presenting a state-of-the-art synthesis of web3-related technologies for digital humanities infrastructures and exploring associated risks and challenges. Design/methodology/approach Following a review of the literature, the authors scope out ways blockchain technology, peer-to-peer decentralised storage and other web3 technologies could support digital humanities infrastructures, especially in the context of digital cultural heritage. In this discussion, particular cognisance is given to the needs and aims of the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council funded Towards a National Collection programme, which seeks to break down the barriers that exist between the UK’s cultural heritage collections. Findings Web3 introduces novel tools and processes that could benefit digital humanities infrastructures, enabling decentralisation and facilitating open access data storage. Yet, significant barriers to adoption remain, such as the requirement for highly specialised technical expertise. Risks and challenges must also be considered prior to any use, including legal, ethical and technical safeguards. Research limitations/implications This study explores opportunities and risks of web3 for digital humanities, through the lens of digital cultural heritage infrastructures and their requirements, including decentralised storage and persistent identification. It does not provide a holistic overview of all web3 technologies. Practical implications The authors identify practical uses of web3 technologies for digital humanities projects, outlining potential applications concerning decentralised storage and persistent identification. Originality/value The authors push forward current knowledge and literature on the intersection of web3 and digital humanities, outlining also practical recommendations for scholars, practitioners and funding organisations.
Abstract This chapter explores the insider–outsider dynamics within Web3 communities through three complementary lenses: community studies, technology diffusion, and inclusion. It examines how digital communities form and operate, challenging traditional concepts of community boundaries and social cohesion. The chapter looks deeply into explanatory frameworks and ideas of technological innovation and diffusion. Through the inside–outside binary, I surface the tension between techno-solutionist mindsets and the social shaping of technology. The chapter then unpacks the insider–outsider concept as it relates to financial and digital inclusion, exploring how Web3 technologies both promise and potentially hinder equitable access to financial services and digital participation. The chapter concludes by considering more-than-human futures, proposing a shift away from human-centric thinking in shaping our digital futures. Throughout, it emphasises the importance of understanding Web3 as a reflection of broader societal needs and desires, while critically examining its potential to address or exacerbate existing inequalities.
Abstract This chapter examines the insider–outsider dynamics shaping Web3 technologies as they navigate entrepreneurial ecosystems and the technology diffusion process. It establishes insiders as the developers, founders, and investor communities driving Web3 innovation, often operating in regulatory grey zones with a techno-solutionist mindset. In contrast, outsiders include institutions, policymakers, and the broader public reacting to Web3’s experimental nature and socio-technical novelty. The chapter situates Web3 within frameworks of technology adoption, socio-technical imaginaries, and models of diffusion. It highlights the tendency of insiders to overlook social nuances while pursuing rapid commercialisation and adoption. The chapter presents two case studies: the first examines the regulatory friction encountered by Ripple Labs and its digital asset, XRP; the second chronicles the rise and fall of Art NFTs, from their promise of empowering artists to their eventual decline due to legal uncertainties, environmental concerns, scams, and clashing community values. This decline mapped onto public disillusionment with the technology despite, and perhaps because of, its utopian techno-libertarian premise. The chapter argues that Web3 must navigate complex insider–outsider tensions while introducing disruptive innovations within existing socioeconomic structures. It concludes with policy recommendations spanning regulatory frameworks, consumer protection, responsible innovation, and public education to foster a more balanced and sustainable Web3 ecosystem.
Abstract In this chapter, I unpack the sociotechnical frontier of Web3, anchoring its analysis in the historical intertwining of computational histories and cryptographic cultures. It explores the case study of cryptomarkets to illustrate the originating culture of a laissez-faire-valuing techno-elite. The chapter traces the computational and social origins of Web3, from Robert Axelrod’s work on cooperation to the cypherpunk movement and the development of digital currencies. The Silk Road cryptomarket serves as a microcosm of the larger Web3 ecosystem, offering insights into its potential to disrupt established systems and the complex policy considerations this disruption gives rise to. The chapter examines the community dynamics, social connection, and identity-building practices within cryptomarkets, revealing the tension between experimental energy and outsider perspectives. It situates the emergent form of the Web3 community within its history of technological development, moving beyond community dynamics to larger shifts in computational process and power. The chapter concludes by offering policy recommendations that address trust in decentralised systems, adapt to borderless digital communities, and empower innovative forms of activism through technology. The chapter maintains a critical stance throughout, acknowledging the diverse and sometimes contradictory nature of the Web3 community while exploring its potential to reshape digital interactions and challenge existing power structures.
Abstract This concluding chapter synthesises the key arguments and insights presented throughout the book, reaffirming Web3 as an experimental, niche technology that serves dual purposes: envisioning our digital future and critiquing current structural inequalities. It emphasises Web3 as a social solution where communities actively construct digital architectures to experiment with alternative futures. The chapter distils the insider–outsider dynamics that have been a recurring motif in Web3 communities, consolidating patterns and divergences observed across various initiatives. By revisiting case studies – including drug cryptomarkets, decentralised finance, Art NFTs, Bitcoin as legal tender, decentralised identity technologies, and decentralised physical infrastructure networks – it illuminates how Web3 reflects broader societal aspirations and concerns about digital interaction and governance. These insights lead to a focused discussion on policy implications, considering how Web3’s realities might inform regulatory approaches and governance structures. The chapter then offers a reflection on potential future trajectories of the internet, examining Web3’s role in highlighting socially proofed concerns that demand collective attention. Critical reflections on the book’s key sociological contributions situate the intersection of technology and community within socio-technical transformation. The chapter concludes with a call to action, urging readers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the wider public to actively participate in shaping a more equitable digital future.
Abstract This chapter critically examines the impact of Web3 technologies on financial, digital, and future-focused inclusion through three case studies: El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin, Soulbound tokens for digital identity, and the Helium network for decentralised wireless infrastructure and environmental monitoring. By applying an insider–outsider lens, the chapter reveals the complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in Web3 initiatives, highlighting the gap between decentralisation promises and real-world implementation. The analysis demonstrates how top-down technological solutions can create new forms of exclusion, particularly when they fail to consider local needs and practices. The chapter also explores the potential of Web3 to transcend human-centric paradigms and include non-human actors in digital ecosystems. Policy recommendations provided address the identified challenges, emphasising the need for context-sensitive implementation and careful regulation. The chapter concludes by advocating for a nuanced understanding of Web3 technologies that recognises both their transformative potential and limitations. It sets the stage for discussing the future of Web3 in creating a more inclusive digital landscape that not only expands human access but also fosters sustainable coexistence with our planet’s ecosystems, challenging us to reimagine digital infrastructure beyond purely human interests.
As an emerging video game genre in recent years, blockchain games have attracted substantial attention due to the strengths of blockchain technology and the popularity of Web3 ideals. However, blockchain games have encountered a dilemma due to the inability to attract traditional video game players. In this paper, we compare data gathered from Twitter, webpages, and research literature through the grounded theory (Glaserian approach) to uncover that the key to transcending the current state lies in the innovation of native and engaging game mechanics. We propose a design framework for blockchain game mechanics derived from the concept of emergent games, which integrates the basic elements of emergent games with the unique features of blockchain technology, discussing its potential design directions. Finally, we implement a high-fidelity prototype to serve as a case, instantiating a novel mechanic based on this framework and providing early proof of feasibility.