In the digital age our online presence and the data trail we leave behind is part of who we are. The websites we visit, the social media we use, the services we sign up for - all contribute to a massive pool of personal data that is our digital self.
For decades under the Web2 model this valuable data was harvested and monetized by big tech companies, without user knowledge or consent. Our digital selves were commodities, sold to the highest bidder for targeted ads and black boxes.
But a new paradigm is emerging with Web3 - a decentralized identity where ownership and control of personal data is back in user hands. This power to own your digital self is huge, but it comes with great responsibility.
At its heart Web3 means individuals can truly own their personal data and not have it exploited by corporations. Your browsing history, social connections, personal preferences, intimate details, spending habits, certifications, licences, passport details, and other credentials - all yours not some tech company.
This is a big change from the Web2 model where user data was seen as the property of companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon to use and profit from as they saw fit. Owning your data means you get to decide when it’s shared, with who and for what. In some situations you can even decide for how long and then revoke access at a later date.
Having this level of ownership and control over your digital trail is powerful. But like anything of value it requires active protection and management.
Your data is now a valuable asset that’s yours alone, so you have to take care of it.
With great power comes great responsibility as they say. By owning your digital self in Web3 you are now responsible for keeping that valuable data safe.
Good cybersecurity hygiene like using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor auth and keeping software up to date is key; but there are also new tools, technologies and applications that you'll have to learn how to use just to manage your online presence. You are responsible for securing access to your online accounts and personal info.
In Web2 we traded our data for “free” services and convenience. In Web3 we get to decide if and how our data is used - a freedom that requires effort.
Managing your digital identity requires some prep and best practices.
First and foremost, use a password manager to create and store unique, complex passwords for every account.
Enable two-factor auth and use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address from nosy neighbours.
Beyond the technical aspects of security, be picky about what personal data you share online and with whom or what services.
Read the privacy policy and terms to understand how your data could be used before you share any information.
Audit your digital footprint across websites, apps and online accounts.
See what data is stored, delete what you don’t need and revoke permissions from third parties when you can. There are tools that can help you map and secure your exposed data.
You should be doing all of these things already in Web2, but here are some Web3 specific things you might want to learn more about:
As Web3 grows and matures, owning and managing your digital identity will be the rule, not the exception. People are already asking for more transparency and control from the online services they use.
In the future, data privacy and security literacy will be key. People will need to know how to manage their digital identity across all online interactions and services.
We may see self-sovereign identity solutions enabled by blockchain and Web3 primitives. These would allow people to control their personal data through decentralized digital identities, without relying on any single third-party entity.
Individual ownership and control of digital identity could unleash a new wave of innovation, with business models built on transparency not data harvesting.
Having control over your digital identity is a powerful concept that Web3 has finally given to users. But it’s a double-edged sword - that control must be wielded with great care.
In the Web2 world, our personal data was the product, sold to corporations and advertisers without our consent. Web3 gives us the chance to reclaim that value and decide how our digital identity is represented and shared.
But we are now responsible for our own data and digital footprint. Complacency can lead to identity theft, financial fraud or privacy violations. Security, careful data sharing and using Web3 identity tools are key.
The more we live online, managing your digital identity is not just a duty - it’s a requirement. Web3 has given us the power, now we must use it.
