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YouTube, Tron and the Dream of Decentralization

After YouTube (temporarily) removes crypto content and DLive moves to Tron, many are asking: Are decentralized social media alternatives possible?

By Nathaniel Whittemore
AccessTimeIconJan 3, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 11:54 a.m. UTC
Breakdown1-3-20

The past few weeks have seen multiple instances of large, centralized tech giants censoring crypto-related content and activity. Noticed in the context of the Coinbase Wallet, Apple is pushing back against anything having to do with decentralized applications (dapps).

YouTube caused even more of a stir when it took down hundreds of crypto-related videos from prominent influencers without any warning. It later reversed the action, claiming an error, but it was enough to get many to ask: Are decentralized alternatives possible? 

As if on cue, Justin Sun popped up to announce that Tron had struck a deal through which decentralized Twitch competitor and streaming service DLive would be moving to the Tron Blockchain and integrating with BitTorrent’s BLive streaming service. For many, however, Tron’s involvement makes DLive more likely to end up a centralized tool than a disruptive decentralized social network alternative. 

Show notes and links for Jan. 3, 2020:

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CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.