The concept of self-custody in decentralization is often touted as a fundamental principle of blockchain technology. However, this narrative is flawed when centralized cloud services like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and AWS are relied upon to store and manage data. By doing so, we are effectively handing over the keys to our digital houses while denying that we are doing so.

The reliance on centralized cloud services is a significant concern, particularly as more blockchain networks are utilizing these services for data exploration. With Gartner analysts predicting that 85% of organizations will adopt a cloud-first strategy by 2025, blockchain needs to advance beyond its current limitations.

The limitations of blockchain, including scalability, cost efficiency, and latency, have hindered its ability to provide practical large-scale data storage solutions. As a result, centralized alternatives have filled the void, contradicting the decentralized ethos.

Developing decentralized storage solutions is technically challenging, involving overcoming obstacles like ensuring data redundancy, incentivizing storage space providers, and maintaining data integrity. Building the required infrastructure demands significant investment in hardware, software, and protocols.

Despite these challenges, it is crucial to break the dependence between blockchain and cloud storage. If not addressed, the issues of Web2 – data breaches, manipulation, corruption, censorship, and unplanned downtime – will persist in Web3. Decentralization will fail, and blockchain adoption will stall.

For blockchain to transform security, ownership, censorship resistance, and information distribution, a decentralized storage solution is essential. Fully decentralized storage would empower users to reclaim and build a more open, trustworthy digital infrastructure.

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN) offers a solution. Global networks of DePIN data centers could address this issue, supporting interoperability, data consistency, incentive mechanisms, and community governance.

By building on existing Web2 infrastructure, a network of distributed node validators could enhance data redundancy, integrity, and security. This would require significant technical and financial efforts, but collaboration between Web3 entities and governmental institutions could drive rapid progress.

A robust solution would revolutionize data storage, enabling full decentralization where users have autonomy over privacy and monetization. Embracing Web3 values and building on Web2 foundations, a DePIN network could pave the way for a resilient, inclusive digital future.

Reconstructing data storage, access, and management will have far-reaching impacts, reshaping how power, wealth, and control are distributed.