Proposal

APrIGF 2022 Session Proposal Submission Form
Part 1 - Lead Organizer
Contact Person
Mr. Vann Bentley
Email
Organization / Affiliation (Please state "Individual" if appropriate) *
World Wide Web Foundation
Designation
Policy Manager
Gender
Male
Economy of Residence
United States
Primary Stakeholder Group
Civil Society
Part 2 - Session Proposal
Session Title
Is Web3 the Future of the Web? A Discussion of Web3 Technologies and the Policy Issues Presented
Session Format
Roundtable
Where do you plan to organize your session?
Onsite at the venue (with online moderator for questions and comments from remote participants)
Specific Issues for Discussion
Interest is rapidly growing in "Web3" technologies, including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, decentralized autonomous organizations, and the metaverse. The proponents of these technologies claim that they are the next iteration of the Web, and that they will lead to a more democratized and decentralized internet. Adoption of these technologies is also growing, and presents many questions for policymakers and internet users. Privacy, security, and environmental concerns are just a few of the questions associated with the rise of Web3 technologies. How does decentralizing the Web away from large intermediaries allow users to trust what they see on the internet? How will Web3 technologies affect the digital divide? This discussion will convene both enthusiasts and skeptics of these new technologies to consider the potential, the risks, and the policy implications of Web3 technologies in the near future.
Describe the Relevance of Your Session to APrIGF
Proponents of Web3 technologies promise a more decentralized and democratized internet in the future. This has potential for increasing inclusion through services like decentralized finance. However, there is also a risk that the next iteration of the Web will fail to address the disparity in access and connectivity. These technologies also have large implications for trust on the internet. Proponents of these technologies claim they will allow users to trust the interactions they have on the Web by removing intermediaries and recording transactions on blockchain and other related services. However, regulators have not yet figured out how to prevent scams and hacks that are common with these new technologies, which negatively affects trust on the internet. Finally, some Web3 technologies like cryptocurrency are notorious for being environmentally unsustainable. How can Web3 technologies develop in a more sustainable way? In this conversation, participants would discuss both the opportunities and risks of these new technologies and what policies may best address those opportunities and risks.
Methodology / Agenda (Please add rows by clicking "+" on the right)
Time frame (e.g. 5 minutes, 20 minutes, should add up to 60 minutes) Description
5 minutes Introduction of the topic by the moderator
45 minutes Discussion questions: What are the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the development of Web3 technologies? What are the unique privacy and security considerations of Web3 technologies? What opportunities are there for Web3 technologies in the global South and in communities without access to traditional financial institutions? How does Web3 impact accessibility and the digital divide?
10 minutes Summarize learnings of the discussion
Moderators & Speakers Info (Please complete where possible)

  • Moderator (Primary)

    • Name: Vann Bentley
    • Organization: World Wide Web Foundation
    • Designation: Policy Manager
    • Gender: Male
    • Economy / Country of Residence: United States
    • Stakeholder Group: Civil Society
    • Expected Presence: In-person
    • Status of Confirmation: Proposed

  • Moderator (Back-up)

    • Stakeholder Group: Academia
    • Expected Presence: In-person
    • Status of Confirmation: Proposed

  • Speaker 1

    • Stakeholder Group: Academia
    • Expected Presence: In-person
    • Status of Confirmation: Proposed

  • Speaker 2

    • Stakeholder Group: Academia
    • Expected Presence: In-person
    • Status of Confirmation: Proposed

  • Speaker 3

    • Stakeholder Group: Academia
    • Expected Presence: In-person
    • Status of Confirmation: Proposed

  • Speaker 4

    • Stakeholder Group: Academia
    • Expected Presence: In-person
    • Status of Confirmation: Proposed
Please explain the rationale for choosing each of the above contributors to the session.
The World Wide Web Foundation is currently hosting a series of conversations about the development and policy implications of Web3 technologies. We are convening both proponents and skeptics of Web3 technologies to examine the potential benefits and risks of Web3. Our experience in convening these conversations of Web3 experts will prepare us well to host this roundtable conversation on Web3 technologies.
Please declare if you have any potential conflict of interest with the Program Committee 2022.
No
Are you or other session contributors planning to apply for the APrIGF Fellowship Program 2022?
No
Number of Attendees (Please fill in numbers)
    Consent
    I agree that my data can be submitted to forms.for.asia and processed by APrIGF organizers for the program selection of APrIGF 2022.