The Role of Web3 in Creating a Just and Fair Internet

In his influential 1971 work A Theory of Justice, social and political philosopher John Rawls introduced the “veil of ignorance” thought experiment. This concept invites us to design a just society without knowing our own position within it. Rawls argues that a truly just society is one “that if you knew everything about it, you’d be willing to enter it in a random place.” This framework is particularly relevant today as we stand at the precipice of Web3 — a new era of the internet that offers a chance to rebuild from the ground up with fairness and equality at its core.

Learning from the Past: The Pitfalls of Web2

The internet’s original promise was to democratize information and opportunities, breaking down barriers imposed by gatekeepers in various industries. However, Web2 has largely fallen short of this ideal. Platforms that dominate the digital landscape often exploit user data for profit, propagate misinformation, and perpetuate inequalities. Gig economy platforms, for example, generate billions in revenue while their frontline workers struggle with poverty wages and lack of decision-making power. Social media algorithms prioritize sensational content, exacerbating societal divides and harming vulnerable communities.

As Li Jin and Katie Parrott aptly observed in their Harvard Business Review article, the Web2 economy’s reliance on advertising-based business models has led to extractive practices that benefit a few at the expense of many. This underscores the urgent need for a fairer digital ecosystem as we transition to Web3.

Web3: A New Hope for Digital Equality

Web3 presents a unique opportunity to rectify the shortcomings of Web2 by building systems that are decentralized, transparent, and equitable. However, early implementations of Web3 have shown that without careful design, these new systems can replicate or even exacerbate existing inequalities. For instance, the issuance of crypto tokens often benefits speculators rather than active contributors, mirroring the wealth concentration seen in traditional economies.

To create a fairer internet, we must align Web3 development with principles that promote justice and equality. Inspired by the work of Rawls, Jin, and Parrott, here are three guiding principles for a just Web3:

1. Promote Self-Determination and Agency

Builders and participants should advocate for democratic governance systems that give all members a voice and equal enfranchisement. This principle ensures that platforms are not controlled by a select few but by the community at large. Early governance structures in Web3 have often resulted in plutocracies, where power is concentrated among token holders. To avoid this, governance mechanisms must be designed to genuinely empower all participants, allowing them to shape the platforms they use.
“Promote self-determination and agency. Builders and participants should push for democratic systems of governance that give a voice and equal enfranchisement to all members.”

2. Reward Participation, Not Just Capital
Web3 should ensure that contributions of time, effort, and creativity are valued alongside financial investments. This approach can help dismantle the barriers that prevent equitable participation. Current token distribution models often favor early investors and technologically savvy users, leaving others at a disadvantage. By rewarding participation based on merit and contributions, Web3 can create a more inclusive and fair ecosystem.
“Reward participation, not just capital. They should ensure that everyone is on an equal footing and can attain positions of power or compensation through their own merit and contributions.”

3. Incorporate Initiatives That Benefit the Disadvantaged
To adhere to Rawls’s difference principle, Web3 networks should be designed to maximize benefits for the least well-off. This could involve creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, developing accessible technologies, and ensuring that economic gains are distributed more evenly. Projects that prioritize social good and incentivize inclusivity will not only foster a more just environment but also attract a broader and more diverse user base, enhancing network effects.
“Incorporate initiatives that benefit the disadvantaged. All Web3 networks should be incentivized to maximize benefit to the least well-off. This approach increases attractiveness to new participants, propelling further network effects.”

Digital Fairness in the Future

Web3 offers a chance for a meaningful course correction — a chance to build an internet that is just, equitable, and truly democratic. By adhering to principles of self-determination, rewarding genuine participation, and prioritizing the disadvantaged, we can create a digital future that reflects the best of human values.

We believe Rawls’s veil of ignorance are extremely relevant in moving forward in the digital space. We must design systems that we would all find fair, regardless of our position within them. Only then can we ensure that the next iteration of the internet lives up to its promise of inclusivity and justice for all.

At SourceLess Labs Foundation, we are committed to realizing this vision. With the transformative potential of Web3, we aim to build platforms that empower users, protect their privacy, and promote a fairer digital landscape. Join us in creating an internet that works for everyone, not just a privileged few. Together, we can make a fair, just internet a reality.


Additional references:

• The Web3 Renaissance: A Golden Age for Content (Li Jin and Katie Parrott)
• Web3: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review

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