TL; DR
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With decentralized file storage, your files are no longer stored on servers owned by Google or Apple, but rather fragmented and distributed across a series of individually managed servers around the world.
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On the one hand, a permanent, super-hard-to-hack, censorship-resistant file storage network is probably overkill for most people.
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But its existence benefits us all, because a decentralized file storage system that anyone can use keeps big tech honest.
Full story
Decentralized file storage.
It’s something that most people will never need, but that everyone will benefit from.
Here’s what it is, why it’s attractive, and who really needs it.
What is it exactly ?
Imagine the basic function of Google Drive and Apple iCloud…
But instead of your files being stored on servers owned by Google or Apple, your files are fragmented and spread across a series of individual servers around the world.
The ‘treasure map/manual’ that leads to each fragmented file and shows your computer how to put your files back together?
Only you have access to it.
So even if one of the decentralized servers were hacked, the hackers would only get a fragment of your file.
What’s the appeal?
It’s all about security, resilience and resistance to censorship.
If you want your digital footprint to withstand attacks, stand the test of time, and be difficult for powerful entities to suppress (think governments):
Decentralized file storage is the route for you.
Who needs it?
Nobody, and everyone.
On the one hand, a permanent, super-hard-to-hack, censorship-resistant file storage network is probably overkill for most people.
But its existence benefits us all, because a decentralized file storage system that anyone can use keeps big tech honest.
Have you ever noticed that there are rarely scandals surrounding data collection or censorship on email platforms, while social media runs rampant with it?
That’s because email isn’t owned by one company.
If Gmail did something dodgy tomorrow, we could all take our email addresses to one of their many competitors (contact list and all).
But if Instagram did the same, we wouldn’t be able to automatically move our followers to a new platform that isn’t owned by Zuck.
Decentralized file storage gives everyday users a way out if they ever need it.
(Hopefully not! But it’s an important option to have).
