3. Web3 and DePIN: Decentralization of the Cloud
Web3 escapes Web2.0''s centralized structure to realize decentralization of data ownership and network operation — returning data ownership to users through blockchain technology and distributed networks. This affects cloud computing infrastructure: Web3-based DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) proposes a new model where individual participants share physical resources rather than relying on centralized infrastructure. Projects: Filecoin (distributed storage solution — data stored across network participants rather than centralized data centers); Aethir (decentralized GPU infrastructure for AI and high-performance computing — alternative to centralized cloud services like AWS). DePIN concept: blockchain + IoT + token economy enabling community-led physical infrastructure construction. Two DePIN categories: (1) Physical Resource Networks (PRN) — location-based physical devices; wireless coverage networks, energy networks, mobility networks; examples: Helium (decentralized wireless network), DIMO (vehicle data network); (2) Digital Resource Networks (DRN) — digital resources not location-dependent; computing power, bandwidth, storage, AI processing; examples: Filecoin (storage), Render Network (GPU rendering). Token incentive mechanism: users contributing physical resources (bandwidth, storage, computing) receive token rewards; creating economic incentives for infrastructure expansion without centralized investment. The flywheel effect: more participants → denser infrastructure → more useful services → more users → more revenue for participants → more participants. The difference from traditional shared economy (Uber/Airbnb): DePIN participants own both the physical resource AND earn from providing it; no platform intermediary capturing most of the economic value; governance tokens giving participants voice in network direction.