Can a Decentralized Internet Make Free Speech and Global Access a Reality?

The internet is necessary for human life; it's a place where people connect and share information. So why do 2.6 billion people still lack internet access, as reported by the ITU in 2023?

Many countries still impose strict internet censorship, limiting free speech and access to information. According to Comparitech, China is among the top three worst countries for internet censorship. China restricts its citizens from using messaging apps except for WeChat, which lacks end-to-end encryption and backdoors allowing third parties to access messages. Interestingly, China also ranks second in the world for the number of citizens without internet access, with 311 million people still unconnected. (ITU).

Social media platforms are also left out of this charade. According to APNews, X (formerly Twitter) suspended nearly 5.3 million accounts in 2023, compared to 1.6 million accounts in the first half of 2022. These actions affected many well-known leaders and businesses, leading to a loss of profit and other consequences.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for an open and accessible internet. A decentralized internet is suggested as a solution to this problem. This approach aims to remove censorship and control from centralized entities and ensure that the true meaning of "freedom of speech and the right to social entities" is fully achieved.

Can decentralization truly solve the challenges of free speech and global accessibility? As we delve deeper into the problem of a centralized internet, how a decentralized internet works, and whether it can effectively address these issues, you will find an answer to this question by the end of this article.

The Problem with Centralized Internet

It's surprising to see how the internet, originally designed to liberate and democratize information, is now becoming increasingly centralized. Back in the 1960s, computers were large, immobile machines, and accessing them required travelling long distances for storing and retrieving information. To reduce this stress, the internet was officially born on January 1, 1983. It was designed to help computers in different locations communicate effortlessly, eliminating the need to travel miles to access information(US EDU).

However, what was once meant for easy access is being thwarted by the government and corporations who dictated its structures, restricting speech and limiting access. This dictatorship has led to barriers in global access, freedom of speech and prevented equal participation in the digital world.

Let's look at some of the examples of how governments and corporations have limited global accessibility and free speech.

How Government And Corporations Control Online Speech and Global Accessibility

Just as governments have the authority to secure their territories, citizens are also entitled to their rights and freedoms. However, in many countries, citizens have limited opportunities to enjoy these rights.

1. Censorship: Countries like North Korea, China, and Iran ban their citizens from using Western social media, and their news is heavily censored. For example, China's "Great Firewall" blocks access to websites like the New York Times, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). During the COVID-19 outbreak, this was used to prevent investigations into the origin of the coronavirus and criticism of Chinese-produced COVID-19 vaccines. Authorities also continued prosecuting journalists and activists for reporting on the pandemic and harassed the families of those who died from the virus for speaking out.

   
   

   Also, Iran uses extensive censorship, surveillance, content manipulation, and extralegal harassment against internet users. In September 2022, a Major antigovernment protest began after Jina Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman, was arrested by morality police in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly and was subsequently killed in custody. In response to the protests, which continued during the coverage period, authorities mounted a major crackdown by restricting internet access, blocking access to social media and communications platforms, employing surveillance, imprisoning internet users, and responding with violence.

   These are just a few examples of countries cutting off their citizens from the internet. In January 2025, the United States government banned its citizens from using TikTok and CapCut. Nigeria also faced similar restrictions, where citizens could not access Twitter for seven months in 2021.

   
   

2. Corporate Deplatforming and Content Moderation: This challenge is common among social media platforms. Each platform has its policy about what content can be posted. However, these platforms have sometimes forcefully removed content that could be helpful to society. For example, according to Kyivpost, in May 2022, four members of the US Congress wrote to the chief executives of TikTok, Twitter, and Meta (formerly Facebook) to request they preserve and archive content on their platforms that might be evidence of war crimes in Ukraine. The request also led to the removal of this content from the public, as confirmed below:

   

   In early April 2022, Facebook blocked hashtags used to comment on and document killings of civilians in the northern Ukrainian town of Bucha.

   
   

   This scenario shows that social platforms, which are supposed to be our cry for help, are working against us.

Aside from content related to political issues, people often complain that social media platforms remove content without a clear reason. For example, during the French Mass Rape trial, users started using a purple dot emoji "🟣" instead of the word "rape," as highlighted by Le Monde. This adoption was made to avoid "shadowbanning" by social media platforms.

3. Internet Shutdowns: This is another challenge we often face from the government, especially during protests, elections, or political unrest. It serves as a tool for authorities to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. For example, in 2023, AccessNow recorded 283 shutdowns in 39 countries, marking the worst year for internet shutdowns. The report found that these shutdowns were linked to violence, protests, and war.

Some of the affected countries and their reasons include:

I. Ethiopia: Access to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok was restricted in response to protests against the government’s attempt to split the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

II. India: Authorities ordered 65 shutdowns in 2023 in specific attempts to address communal violence.

III. Gaza: The Israeli military used a combination of direct attacks on civilian telecommunications infrastructure, restrictions on access to electricity, and technical disruptions to shut down the internet.

IV. Senegal: The Senegalese government imposed internet restrictions following the sentencing of an opposition leader. Measures included limiting access to social media platforms and an internet curfew during the summer.

From these examples, you can see that human rights are being violated. Although most countries' laws state that citizens have the right to social freedom and freedom of speech, it is clear that governments and corporations are not granting these rights and freedoms. This is why people say, "Freedom of speech is not free" or "Freedom after speech is not guaranteed."

These limitations prevent people from expressing their opinions and connecting with people from different parts of the world. For example, restrictions on internet access and censorship prevent individuals from sharing cultural experiences, ideas, and innovations.

They also limit educational opportunities and economic growth, as people in restricted areas cannot access the same resources and markets as those in more open environments. Regarding financial exchanges, people find it difficult to send money easily to their loved ones due to the complicated processes involved.

Judging from these restrictions, the next question on your mind is, “Is there a way forward?” You will find your answer in this section.

How a Decentralized Internet Works

One thing is for sure: there is always a way out or a better option, meaning there is another version of the internet. On this internet, people's content can't be taken down, power is in everyone's hands, and people can express themselves without fear of shadowbanning. It's an internet where freedom of speech is truly "free, “ and it is called the* DECENTRALIZED INTERNET.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, decentralized means "controlled by several local offices or authorities rather than one single one." From this definition, we can say that a decentralized internet is a version of the internet controlled by many rather than a single entity, where data and control are shared equally among users. The goal and concept of a decentralized internet are similar to democracy, "a government of the people, by the people."

What technologies power this decentralized internet, and how does it achieve its goals? Check out the next section.

Key Technologies Powering the Decentralized Internet

Three major technologies are powering the decentralized internet, and each of these technologies works together to process user requests, as shown below:

1. Blockchain: Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that operates across a network of computers known as nodes. It is designed to securely record and verify transactions(activities) or activities in a decentralized manner. Each transaction is grouped into a "block," which contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. These blocks are linked together in a chronological sequence, forming a "chain." The blockchain provides a transparent and tamper-proof way to verify transactions, domain names, and identities. It also prevents domain seizure and censorship by centralized authorities. Examples of blockchains are Bitcoin, Solana, etc.

   
   

2. Peer-to-Peer Network: A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a decentralized network architecture where each participant, or "peer," acts as both a client and a server. This means that each peer can share resources, such as files or bandwidth, directly with other peers without relying on a central server. P2P networks enhance the resilience and scalability of the internet by distributing data and tasks across multiple nodes, reducing the risk of single points of failure and censorship. Examples of P2P networks are BitTorrent,

   
   

3. Decentralized Storage: Decentralized storage systems distribute data across multiple nodes in a network rather than storing it on a single centralized server. This approach enhances data security, privacy, and availability. By breaking data into smaller pieces and storing them across various locations, decentralized storage reduces the risk of data loss and unauthorized access. Examples of decentralized storage solutions include IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) and Arweave, which leverage blockchain technology and P2P networks to ensure data integrity and accessibility.

   
   

Now that you’ve understood the key technologies powering the decentralized internet and how they work, let’s look at how they empower free speech and global accessibility with these technologies.

Free Speech in a Decentralized Internet

Having understood the goal of the decentralized internet, which is "putting control in the hands of the people," individuals can communicate and express their opinions without fear of takedowns or suppression. Here's how:

1. No single point of control: Since data is shared across multiple nodes, content cannot be easily removed.

2. Resistant to government bans: If a decentralized app is banned in one country, users in other countries can still access and share the information.

3. Public data: All data on the decentralized internet is visible to everyone; there is no secrecy, and it can be accessed anytime and anywhere.

4. Censorship-resistant social media: Platforms like Mastodon, Farcaster, Lens Protocol, and Nostr ensure that users control content, not corporations. For example, here is content on Mastodon reporting the news on Ukrainian Army attacks on Russian armoured combat vehicles.

   

5. Human identities are protected: Instead of relying on centralized IDs like Google or Facebook, users create and manage their digital identities using blockchain-based credentials. These credentials are stored in a decentralized identity wallet (such as 1Kosmos, Dock, etc.), and verifications are done without revealing personal details, using Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP).

   
   

Let's look at how the decentralized internet also bridges the gap in global accessibility in the next section

Bridging the Global Accessibility Gap with Decentralized Internet

You've seen how centralized authorities have restricted people from connecting by monopolizing the internet. This includes using firewalls to block global websites and governments banning social media platforms in some countries. The government might think, "We are protecting our citizens," but they are limiting people from global accessibility. With a decentralized internet, more people will have the chance to connect.

The question now is “HOW?” Let’s find out if it is possible or not in the next section.

How the decentralized internet can bring connectivity to remote and underserved regions

Some of the ways the decentralized internet brings global connectivity include the following:

1. Decentralized Wireless Networks: Similar to Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), this type of network architecture lets users host wireless devices, communicate directly with each other, and control the network they use without depending on centralized Internet Service Providers (ISPs). In these networks, each node can act as both a transmitter and a receiver. This setup improves the network's resilience, scalability, and security because there is no single point of failure. It also means that no single entity can control how the network operates. Also, this setup is highly suitable for regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking and promotes connectivity.

   
   

2. Satellite-Based Decentralized Networks: These are networks that integrate satellite technology with decentralized systems, such as blockchain, to create resilient, secure, and transparent communication infrastructures. They give access to remote areas by bypassing the need for ground-based infrastructure.

   
   

3. Decentralized Wi-Fi Sharing Platforms: These platforms enable small businesses or individuals to become mini Internet Service Providers (ISPs) by sharing their Wi-Fi hotspots with their communities. By doing so, they can provide Internet access to areas where connectivity is limited or nonexistent. Participants in these networks can earn rewards or incentives for sharing their internet connection, which encourages more people to join and expand the network.

   
   

You might be wondering which projects are making this happen. Keep reading to find out.

Real-World Projects Tackling Digital Exclusion

These are some of the projects tackling digital exclusion, especially Spacecoin

1. Spacecoin: This is the world’s first decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) powered by blockchain-enabled LEO nanosatellite constellations, positioned to become the standard open protocol for trustless internet connectivity on a global scale - connecting everyone and everything. Recently, Spacecoin, Creditcoin, Sui, and Walrus collaborated to improve connectivity and access to financial services, especially for remote and underserved regions, via decentralized satellite infrastructure.

   
   

2. XOneFi: A decentralized WiFi sharing platform that allows small businesses or individuals to become mini Internet Service Providers (ISPs) by sharing their WiFi hotspots with their communities. This project is particularly aligned with efforts to improve internet coverage in areas with limited connectivity.

   
   

3. Helium Network: A global, distributed network of hotspots that create public, long-range wireless coverage for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It uses blockchain technology to incentivize individuals to provide network coverage, thereby expanding connectivity in underserved areas.

   
   

While the decentralized internet offers free speech and global accessibility, there are still some drawbacks. What are the downsides of the decentralized internet? Let's explore them in the next section.

The Double-Edged Sword: Challenges Of A Decentralized Internet

You know how people say that no matter how good something is, there's always a downside? The decentralized internet is a bit like that. You have seen how it promotes free speech, and data is governed by the people without restrictions or fear of bans or takedowns. Decentralized wireless internet and satellite-based networks, including decentralized WiFi sharing platforms, enable people in local areas and villages to access the internet without relying on traditional infrastructure. All these benefits are great, but there are still some challenges. The main challenges are:

How Governments May React to Decentralization

We can't ignore government policies, especially when they involve the public. Let's not forget that one of the characteristics of a government is sovereignty, meaning "the ability of the government to enforce laws without external forces." Since the decentralized internet lacks a central authority, it will be difficult for the government to regulate it. This challenge has prompted calls for adaptable policies that consider the bottom-up governance model inherent in decentralized networks.

However, some governments are exploring new regulatory frameworks tailored to address the unique characteristics of these technologies. For example, in 2022, all European member states, the US, and 32 other countries signed the ‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’. The declaration describes a vision of the future internet: decentralized, democratic, and fair.

Security and Privacy Risks in a Decentralized Web

While decentralization offers enhanced privacy and security, it also presents challenges for law enforcement. Governments may express concerns about the potential for decentralized networks to facilitate illegal activities, such as cybercrime or the spread of harmful content, without a central authority to monitor and intervene.

For example, Tornado Cash, established in 2019, is a decentralized cryptocurrency mixer operating on Ethereum-compatible networks. It enables users to obscure the origins of their cryptocurrency transactions by mixing funds, thereby enhancing privacy. It was alleged by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to have been "used to launder more than $96 million of malicious cyber actors’ funds derived from the June 24, 2022, Harmony Bridge Heist".

The Treasury Department also accused it of laundering more than $7 billion in virtual currencies, including $455 million believed to have been stolen in 2022 by the Lazarus Group, a hacking group associated with the government of North Korea. This and many other crimes have also been investigated as being linked to the decentralized internet.

Content Abuse and Moderation

Human beings often take things for granted or misuse access. Let's not forget that decentralized platforms give users greater control over content, making moderation challenging. People may say harmful things to each other, which we often see on centralized platforms, and it can be even more pronounced on decentralized ones. We know that harmful content can negatively affect our mental health, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts and other issues.

Public Awareness and Education

A lady on X recently made a tweet as shown below:

Imagine the frustration and stress of trying to send money from Nigeria to someone in Japan. Her followers suggested using a decentralized exchange (DEX) platform as the best solution. However, her main concern was that the recipient was not familiar with cryptocurrency.

Centralized platforms are easy to understand, but decentralization is very technical, making it hard for people to grasp. People with little or no education may find it difficult to adopt decentralized platforms, even though they offer freedom and accessibility.

With these challenges, what will be the future of the Internet? Will decentralization be able to deliver as promised and ensure security for humans? Let’s find out in the next section.

The Future of The Internet: Can Decentralization Deliver?

The idea of a decentralized internet is achievable as the challenges are being properly addressed. To reach this goal, several factors need to be considered:

1. Regulatory Framework: There's a saying, "Without law, there is no order," meaning that without rules, chaos ensues. The same applies to a decentralized internet. There should be a way to regulate content and activities to prevent illegal actions or harmful speech while also protecting human rights and dignity, ensuring security and privacy.

   
   

2. User Awareness and Education: Stakeholders should educate users about the benefits and functionalities of decentralized platforms. Increasing awareness can drive adoption and encourage individuals to explore alternatives to centralized services.

   
   

3. User Experience: User interaction with dApps should be smooth and not complex. This will motivate the users to migrate easily without fear or doubt.

   
   

4. Collaboration: Traditional ISPs and decentralized network providers can work together, combining the flexibility of decentralized networks with the established infrastructure of traditional ISPs. This partnership can lead to the creation of new services and business models.

   
   

5. Coverage for Local Regions: Most of the time, urban areas are the ones benefiting from the latest innovations, while local regions are often neglected. Decentralized wireless networks should provide coverage in local regions to address connectivity gaps.

Final thoughts: Is a free and accessible internet for all within reach?

In my opinion, decentralized internet is something we need. People love to be heard and respected, and the decentralized internet offers this to humanity. While the benefits are great, the challenges that come with it are significant too. Its goals can be fully achieved if these challenges are properly addressed and if local regions lacking connectivity are considered.

I believe that decentralized internet can bring millions of people online. It will enhance cultural learning and adaptation, foster innovation, and improve the economic status of our society.

Do you also believe that decentralized internet is something we need? and can it promote free speech and global accessibility? Let me know in the comment section.

References

USG EDU

China: Freedom on Net 2021 Country Report

Iran: Freedom on Net 2023 Country Report

The Ultimate List of Social Media Changes

Internet Restriction in 2023: An Overview by Surfshark

Four Blockchain Projects Join Forces to Deliver Internet and Finance via Satellite Infrastructure

XOneFi: Equitable, affordable Internet access for remote and underserved areas

EU, US and 32 countries back decentralised internet

Tornado_Cash