Web3 search engine attracts big backers in drive to hand power back to users

A new protocol has bold ambitions to become the feed of Web3.

RSS3 is an open-sourced information syndication protocol — a search engine that delivers an aggregated human-readable feed about every crypto wallet in existence.

The project has been built on three core ideologies: Transparency, decentralization and modularity. Founders say they're determined to ensure no single, authoritative figure controls everything — and want to encompass everything going on in this fast-moving space.

RSS3 says its product is a convenient way to know everything addresses, with keywords to be added in the near future. Intuitive features allow you to keep track of whenever Web3 activity happens.

The feed has also been designed with a huge focus on security, and unlike other apps, it strips out spam and phishing to ensure all of the information about a wallet is genuine. A good example surrounds vitalik.eth — and the endless stream of random nonfungible tokens the Ethereum co-founder receives. Through its approach, all of these activities are not included in his feed — giving users a clearer idea of what's happening.

What's more, the search functionality enables users to get a clear insight into what's trending — delivering a one-stop-shop where you can track your favorite crypto addresses.

A great user experience first

According to RSS3, distribution channels for content have been gradually dominated by data superpowers over recent decades — and all of this has come at the expense of the user experience. Why? Because even the finest apps struggle to compete with monopolies.

"The right to create, disseminate and distribute information should not be in the hands of centralized governing. It is the basic right of cyber lives," the project says.

While the original RSS was decentralized by design, this project argues that this hasn't been achieved in execution — and a collective revolution is needed that matches what Bitcoin and Ether did for cryptocurrencies.

Setting out its vision for the future, RSS3 imagines a world where various decentralized content protocols co-exist and everyone has full control of the data they produce — and the freedom to express their thoughts without censorship. This will give creators unprecedented levels of freedom, an unrivaled ability to monetize their works, and full ownership. 

The project also argues that, once users have full control of their data, they'll have the freedom to vote with their feet — and easily move to applications with the finest design and engineering.

Powerful partnerships

RSS3 recently entered into a strategic partnership with Lens Protocol, which offers an array of tools to build the next generation of social media apps. All activities that happen on Lens will be accessible through the RSS3 API, and this partnership is a great demonstration of the composability and interoperability that the Web3 ecosystem has been aiming for. Meanwhile, a collaboration with Mask Network enables users to combine their Web3 address and display the activities they did with their address on their Web2 profile. 

CoinShares, Coinbase Ventures, Dragonfly Capital, and Balaji Srinivasan are also among those who have taken part in a new round of funding for RSS3 as part of its quest to deliver platformless media and applications.

The RSS3 Standard is continuously being developed — and looking ahead, hackathons are planned and an ecosystem fund will be established. A dedicated DAO will also enable tokenholders to make collective decisions, and an Ethereum side chain is set to be unveiled specifically for RSS3-related activities.

Team members are regularly posting updates about their work across social media — on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. What's more, a vibrant community has emerged on Discord as RSS3 vies to change the way the internet works.

Right now, the protocol remains at an early stage — but big things are expected in the future. As RSS3 said in a recent blog post: "It is never easy to build something great. Especially when you are confronting the well-established giants. 

"However, as developers, we have a firm belief regarding what is right and what should be done. We must dedicate all that we have to overthrowing the old world in order to build a new one."