Substack and Inrupt Not Waiting for Web3 to Enforce User Rights

Stories of identity theft and data breaches are abundant in today's internet age. While all web-based platforms collect standard user data such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and credit card details, keeping the data secure is a major challenge. Thus, many companies have turned to Web3 for solutions, hoping that decentralized networks and blockchain technology will provide a secure environment for users.

However, some companies are not waiting for Web3 to arrive; they are taking matters into their own hands by improving data privacy and enabling user rights. Two such companies are Substack and Inrupt.

Substack

Substack, an email newsletter platform that enables writers to publish and monetize their work, recently announced a set of new features to protect its users' data. The platform will provide an option to enable two-factor authentication to protect accounts from unauthorized access. Additionally, Substack is introducing a user data download feature, allowing users to export their data and use it in other applications. Lastly, Substack will add a privacy policy specifically designed for European users that is compliant with GDPR regulations.

Inrupt

Inrupt, the startup co-founded by World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, is focused on creating a decentralized internet where users have complete control over their data. Their solution is the Solid platform, which is designed to allow users to store and manage personal data in a secure and private environment. Solid also contains a set of user-centric tools for sharing data selectively with apps and other entities. Inrupt is partnering with governments and corporations to develop and deploy Solid-based apps, including a UK National Health System app for monitoring Covid-19 symptoms.

Conclusion

1. Companies like Substack and Inrupt are demonstrating that data privacy and user rights can be protected even without Web3 technology.
2. By enhancing existing platforms with features like two-factor authentication and user data download, companies can improve data privacy and user control.
3. Creating decentralized platforms like Solid can provide a lasting solution to the problem of data privacy by giving users complete control over their own data.