Is True Data Ownership the Key to Web3 Adoption?

We’ve all seen how Web2 platforms exploit user data—collecting, monetizing, and selling it without giving anything back. Web3 was supposed to change that, but has it really?

I believe privacy and data ownership should be Web3’s biggest selling points. If we want real adoption, people need to trust that their data is truly theirs—no middlemen, no hidden terms, just full control.

Some projects are tackling this, like Polkadot, Ocean, and FET. However, one project that really stands out to me is Frequency, a blockchain purpose-built for decentralized social media.

Instead of just talking about data ownership, Frequency is actively building DeSoc infrastructure to ensure users retain control over their identities, content, and interactions. It’s about enabling real ownership, where no centralized entity can decide what happens to your data.

The question is: Can Web3 truly achieve complete data privacy and ownership, or will centralized monopolies creep in and dominate the infrastructure just like in Web2? Because let’s be honest—many so-called “decentralized” projects are still relying on centralized gatekeepers.

Would love to hear your thoughts—do you think privacy and data ownership will be the main drivers of Web3 adoption? Or is it just another narrative that won’t fully materialize?