Google recently clarified its Play Store policy following a wave of criticism from cryptocurrency developers. Initially, the rules prohibited the publication of cryptocurrency wallets in the US and EU without federal licenses, while there was no distinction between custodial and non-custodial solutions. This position caused dissatisfaction in the community, as non-custodial wallets are at the heart of the Web3 philosophy, where the user retains control over their assets.
This case vividly illustrates the contradiction between centralized Web2 platforms and decentralized Web3 technologies. On one hand, giants like Google or Apple strive to maintain control, cloaking it in concern for user safety. On the other hand, the philosophy of Web3 is built on the premise that individuals should decide how to manage their data and funds, without intermediaries.
But here we face a broader question: how possible is true freedom in the digital space? The democracy that we are used to talking about often operates on the same principle as slavery in ancient times. The main thing is to convince a person that they are free, to give the illusion of choice and the opportunity to express themselves without touching on taboos. After all, just like before, the music is ordered by those who have the money or the printing press. Therefore, Web3 is not just technology, but an attempt to test whether it is possible to build a system where real freedom does not become just another illusion.