Notes

Decentralized systems are systems in which multiple parties or nodes work together without a central authority controlling the entire network. 

1. Blockchain: A decentralized ledger technology where data is stored in blocks linked together cryptographically. Each block contains a timestamp and transaction data, making it tamper-resistant and transparent. Blockchain is often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but its applications extend to various industries beyond finance, including supply chain management, voting systems, and identity verification.

2. NFTs: These are unique digital assets stored on a blockchain, representing ownership or proof of authenticity of a particular item, such as digital art, collectibles, or virtual real estate. NFTs allow creators to monetize digital content and provide buyers with verifiable ownership.

3. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): DAOs are organizations governed by smart contracts and operated by a network of participants without a central authority. They use blockchain technology to automate decision-making processes, facilitate transparent governance, and distribute rewards or funds based on predefined rules encoded in smart contracts.

4. Smart Contracts: These are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. Smart contracts run on blockchain platforms and automatically enforce and execute the terms of the contract when predefined conditions are met. They eliminate the need for intermediaries, reduce transaction costs, and enhance security and transparency in various applications, including finance, supply chain management, and legal agreements.

Dafne+: Revolutionizing Creative Content Distribution

Recently, we were introduced to Dafne+, an innovative platform in development by faculty from SODA and Fablab BCN. Dafne+ aims to disrupt the traditional system of creative content distribution by establishing a fair and decentralized framework for content creators, leveraging Web3 Technologies.

Operated on a blockchain network, Dafne+ utilizes the minting of NFTs to authenticate and credit original authorship of creative content. This platform empowers creators to directly manage their Intellectual Property Rights.

Creators can mint NFTs for various types of content, including images, videos, text, 3D models, software, and music. Access to the platform necessitates a wallet account like MetaMask for cryptocurrency storage and transfer.

Here's how it functions: By minting creative work as NFTs, creators establish a unique token permanently recorded on the blockchain, providing irrefutable proof of original publication. Smart contracts ensure creators are fairly compensated based on their chosen distribution model, with every transaction logged transparently on the blockchain. Additionally, Dafne+ offers Patreon-like features, granting access to exclusive content upon purchase of associated NFTs.

Moreover, Dafne+ facilitates seamless integration with the blockchain network, allowing content hosting and minting as NFTs via the marketplace. It's crucial to note that publishing NFTs on Dafne+ incurs a "Gas" fee on the Ethereum Network for maintaining network operations.

The concept behind Dafne+ presents a promising approach to intellectual property protection, potentially accelerating innovation and fostering collaboration. By transparently logging and proving original authorship, it could revolutionize how intellectual property disputes are resolved, promoting openness in project discussions without fear of idea theft.

If adopted widely, Dafne+ could significantly enhance IP law and protection, particularly benefiting open-source projects, thus democratizing technology and design. Its success could mark a significant advancement in empowering creators and safeguarding their creations in the digital age.

Fasci-Nation

Collaborative Project with Oliver, Sophie, Francisca, Marius and Nicolo

"Fascination": Taking on Fascism in an Interactive Way

For the group project, we decided to tackle the comeback of fascism and we wanted to think outside the box and come up with something cool using new tech to fight it.

Ideation

We brainstormed a lot and finally settled on this idea: why not use Dafne+ to create a VR game?

How It Plays Out

Picture this: you're in this virtual city ruled by fascists, and you're playing the part of a journalist. You wander around, checking out the scene, and whenever you spot something fishy or just plain wrong, you jot it down. These notes? They're instantly saved on the blockchain and shared on a forum for everyone to chat about.

This platform is all about opening up conversations because, let's face it, a lot of folks get sucked into extremist views because they feel like no one's listening to them.

At the end of the game, you get to create your own version of what the big cheese of that fascist regime looks like. It's kind of fun, right? And hey, each of these little avatars becomes a unique NFT.

Governance

The money spent on minting and buying these NFTs would be funnelled into decentralized autonomous organization committed to funding de-radicalization efforts around the world in an attempt to curb the spread of this hateful ideology by encouraging space for discourse and discussion and other de-radicalization efforts.

Users who purchase one of these NFTs gain access to the DAO and voting rights, giving them agency and autonomy within the organisation, allowing them to be part of the decision making when determining how funds raised by the DAO for these efforts are spread and disseminated.

Reflections

The seminar sparked a whirlwind of intriguing new concepts, ranging from Blockchain and NFTs to governance models and the decentralized wonder, DAFNE+. These topics, once distant on my radar, captivated my interest because of the ways in which the seminar was structured and taught.

The exploration of NFTs added depth to the conversation, showcasing their potential to revolutionize various industries through unique digital assets and smart contracts. The merging of cryptoKitties via a smart contract epitomized the transformative power of this technology. Exploring governance principles, particularly through the lens of Elinor Ostrom's ideas, highlights the significance of community-driven decision-making. An inclusive decision processes is needed to create inclusive spaces

The idea of breaking away from centralized structures intrigued me, hinting at a shift towards more inclusive and decentralized paradigms.

The seminar was a treasure trove of insights that ignited my curiosity about decentralized systems. It also reminds to identify their environmental footprint, governance structures, and the ethical dimensions of intellectual property. Navigating towards a fair future requires a complex combination of technology and ethical considerations.