Since its inception, the protocol has aimed to facilitate human connections through innovative ownership mechanisms related to content creation, social networks, and data.

Initially, the protocol operated in beta mode to address concerns regarding upgradability and security, prioritizing support for over 400 community-developed applications. Many projects were entirely open source, with approximately one hundred contributors.

In response to evolving priorities in Web2 social platforms, Lens established a vibrant community of crypto enthusiasts seeking on-chain alternatives. Within six months, Lens attracted over 100,000 users to its applications, generating significant social activity, including millions of posts and comments.

Over the past eighteen months, Lens has been refining its capabilities based on community feedback, with a focus on implementing permissionless features. Lens developed the Momoka infrastructure for data scaling, enhancing the modularity of its open actions and facilitating the construction of complex graphs using the Lens API.

Lens decentralized its governance through the Lens Improvement Protocol (LIP) process, driven by community demand for on-chain social activities. The transition to a permissionless protocol, initiated after widespread support for a community-driven LIP, aims to stimulate innovation and collaboration within the Lens community.

The upcoming phases involve network upgrades to onboard new users and the development of an enhanced social network that empowers users with greater control over their ownership rights. This transition removes development obstacles and fosters greater innovation collectively.