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Closing the Digital Divide: How Web3 Can Create a More Inclusive Future

Yes, we are living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where innovation is transforming how we connect, work, and solve problems. Yet, while billions benefit, about 2.6 billion people still lack access to the internet. For many who are online, limited digital skills or expensive technology prevent them from fully participating. This digital divide, is not just about missing out on Facebook reels or online conveniences—it creates real barriers to education, financial stability, and opportunity. I believe Web3, the next phase of the internet, holds the power to bridge this gap if we approach its design and implementation thoughtfully. Let’s have the conversation how to do it.

Closing the Digital Divide: How Web3 Can Create a More Inclusive Future

Yesterday, at the Web3 for Good live event, I had the privilege of presenting the Proof of Good Framework and engaging in a crucial discussion about the digital divide. Reflecting on this, I see both incredible promise and undeniable responsibility in how technology shapes our world.

Yes, we are living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where innovation is transforming how we connect, work, and solve problems. Yet, while billions benefit, about 2.6 billion people still lack access to the internet. For many who are online, limited digital skills or expensive technology prevent them from fully participating. This digital divide, is not just about missing out on Facebook reels or online conveniences—it creates real barriers to education, financial stability, and opportunity. I believe Web3, the next phase of the internet, holds the power to bridge this gap if we approach its design and implementation thoughtfully. Let’s have the conversation how to do it.

One of the most promising ways Web3 can make a difference is through tools like Decentralized Finance (DeFi). DeFi is a new financial system that remove the need for traditional banks and offer financial services like loans and savings directly to individuals. For the 1.4 billion adults worldwide who don’t have bank accounts, this could be life-changing. Imagine someone in a remote village being able to access a small loan to grow their business or save money securely for the first time. But to make this vision a reality, people need tools they can actually use. Even for a reader such as yourself, I would not be suprised if you do not love your traditional bank and wish there where more alternatives available for your banking needs.

Unfortunately, many of today’s Web3 tools—particularly wallets—are too complex for the average person. Do you know how to use a Web3 wallet like Metamask? If not, you’re not alone. These wallets often require a technical background and don’t cater to non-English speakers, making them inaccessible to many. This is a problem, especially in areas where digital literacy is limited. But, yes there are wallets that are safe and easier to use such as Exodus and Tangem, but we need further developments in this area to combat the digital divide.

I argue that creating wallets that are user-friendly, multilingual, and secure is one of the most critical steps toward making Web3 accessible to everyone. Without intuitive tools, the promise of Web3 will remain out of reach for those who need it most. A wallet that is simple and easy to use could open the door for millions to participate in the Web3 ecosystem. It’s not just about holding digital assets—it’s about removing the barriers that make decentralized applications (dApps) difficult to use. Imagine a wallet that automatically manages transaction fees or securely handles identity verification without requiring users to navigate a maze of options.

A few days ago, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, stressed the importance of creating wallets that balance simplicity, privacy, and security. He envisions features like social recovery, where trusted individuals can help you regain access if you lose your password—a feature that could reassure users new to the technology.

While a large part of the cryptocurrency community do not recommend sharing the keys to digital wallets, for Web3 to succeed in closing the digital divide, prioritizing ease of use seem essential to get more people to use this technology.

I think the rapid changes in society demand a conversation about equity and inclusion.

Who is benefiting from the technologies we’re building? Are they designed for the privileged few or for the billions who stand to gain the most?

I believe Web3 has the tools to close the digital divide, but only if we approach its design with intention. It’s not just about advancing technology—it’s about ensuring that technology works for everyone. Simplifying wallets is one way to start, but the broader effort must focus on making Web3 intuitive, affordable, and empowering.