While a brutal armed conflict rages on Ukrainian soil, an information war is unfolding online.
Russia is seeking to control the narrative by muffling dissent.
Last month, the Kremlinblocked several social media platformsandthreatened lengthy jail termsfor spreading false information about the invasion.
A series of domestic alternatives to American apps are now being promoted, from RuTube to Rossgram.
Criticsdescribe the latteras absolute shit.
The next service that may require a Putin-approved replacement is Wikipedia.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Building a web3 Wikipedia
Proponents of Web3 argue thatblockchaincan eradicate censorship.
Among the supporters areSwarm, anEthereum-based decentralized storage platform, andKiwix, an offline reader for online content.
As a host, you dont know exactly which files youre hosting, which can prevent sudden takedowns.
Users would cover thecosts via a built-in incentive system enforced through smart contracts.
Some foundations for the project have already been laid.
At a March hackathon, participants createdread-only versions of Wikipediaandoffline search tools for the site.
Molly White is one of the prominent skeptics.
Those things can be in conflict a lot of the time.
White points to another for-profit online encyclopedia based on blockchain:Everipedia.
Everipedia also has a reputation forpublishing inaccurate informationabout tragic events.
These worries joinmore general concernsabout web3s technical limitations, financial backers, and popularity with scammers.
Nonetheless, a decentralized Wikipedia could provide a useful service.
It certainly sounds more appealing than a prospectivePutinipedia.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
