Web3, the next evolutionary phase of the Internet, envisions a decentralized digital world where users regain control over their data and secure interactions, and the power dynamics are shifted away from large centralized entities. This vision embodies ideals of transparency, data ownership, and censorship resistance.

The decentralized nature, improved security, and empowering focus on users in Web3 distinguish it as the Internet's next generation. It's a vision of an internet where users are in the driver's seat, retaining control over their data, ensuring secure online interactions, and shifting the power dynamics away from large centralized platforms.

Web3 introduces a paradigm shift in data control, returning ownership to users instead of allowing large corporations to profit from it. By operating on decentralized networks like blockchain, Web3 applications become resistant to censorship and single points of failure, promoting a more resilient and democratic internet. This resilience and democracy instill a sense of security and confidence in the future of the Internet.

The Deeper Network is a pioneering example of Web3's potential. It leverages blockchain technology, network security, and a sharing economy model to create a decentralized and user-centric Internet infrastructure. It's one of the first projects to bring Web3's promise into tangible reality, offering products and services that directly address some of the core issues of the traditional Internet.

This was dramatically highlighted during Hong Kong's Umbrella Movement in 2019. As the government cracked down on internet access, restricting information and surveillance, the Deeper Network provided a crucial lifeline. It enabled users to bypass censorship and maintain secure communication channels, protecting them from surveillance and ensuring their voices could be heard.

Deeper Network is a new kind of internet infrastructure rooted in blockchain technology, network security, and a sharing economy model. It empowers users with tools for a truly decentralized, private, and secure internet experience.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Russell Liu, the founder and CEO of Deeper Network Inc. He has been a driving force behind the development of Deeper Network's decentralized VPN (DPN) technology, which represents a significant step forward in creating a more democratic, private, and secure internet.

Liu's vision extends beyond traditional cybersecurity; he aims to integrate network security with blockchain technology and the sharing economy, providing users with enhanced privacy and robust cybersecurity solutions. Under his leadership, Deeper Network is set to revolutionize how we think about and interact with the Internet, prioritizing user autonomy and security in an increasingly digital world.

Talking with him offered insights into his passion for decentralization and his commitment to making the Internet safer for everyone. Here's what we talked about:

1.  What inspired you to start Deeper Network, and what was your initial vision for the company? How has that vision evolved?

I started out working at Fortinet for five years as a Senior Software Engineer and Software Project Manager. After that, I became a Principal Engineer at Palo Alto Networks—both companies are at the forefront of enterprise cybersecurity. It was during this time that I realized something: while these companies focus heavily on protecting large enterprises, individuals are often left exposed. We deal with so many issues, like spam calls, bank info leaks, and camera hacks, but there hasn’t been much done to protect everyday people.

That’s when I decided to leave Palo Alto Networks. I wanted to use the same level of enterprise-grade cybersecurity to protect individuals. My goal was to create an affordable device that could provide strong cybersecurity for everyone. As I kept working, the rise of blockchain and the movement toward freedom of information inspired me to take things a step further, leading to the development of decentralized VPN technology that operates on a sharing economy model.

2.  Deeper Network emphasizes giving users ownership of their data and privacy. How do your products enable this, and why is it important in today’s digital world?

Your personal logs and online activity should never be shared with any third party. With our device, you don’t have to worry about your information leaving your network. Any data that does is fully protected with end-to-end encryption, and your IP address is masked to keep you private online. Our mission is to keep your data and privacy secure from prying eyes, helping you avoid becoming a target for hackers, governments, or corporations.


3. What are the key innovations that set Deeper Network apart from traditional cybersecurity solutions? How does your technology address current cybersecurity challenges?

Our enterprise-class cybersecurity comes at just a fraction of the cost compared to big-name cybersecurity companies. For under $200, you get lifetime access to a free VPN and enterprise-level protection—no annual subscriptions or hidden fees. We believe everyone, whether at home or in a small office, deserves strong cybersecurity, which is often out of reach with current corporate pricing. Cybersecurity shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for large companies or the wealthy; it should be accessible to everyone.

4. The Deeper Connect technology is described as a gateway to Web 3.0. Can you elaborate on how this device facilitates a secure and decentralized VPN experience for users?

Our service leverages blockchain and peer-to-peer technology, meaning you're not connected to our servers but to another person’s internet, ensuring your data and logs never pass through our company. If you share your bandwidth, you can earn DPR tokens, and as a node, you have the power to block certain sites with a blacklist. All connection data stays on your device, giving you full control. We've built a sharing economy that rewards users for sharing bandwidth and created an IP marketplace where users can complete Web3 tasks via open-source dApps, empowering them to become service providers. Our devices also give users access to services across different blockchains, making us a gateway to a new world of digital freedom.

5. The Deeper Connect products utilize Multi-Routing and Smart Routing. How do these technologies work, and what benefits do they offer compared to traditional VPNs?

Multi-Routing gives the Deeper Connect device the ability to access content from any location with faster speeds and without centralized servers. For example, you can stream a show from Europe while browsing for plane tickets from the US, or watch a French TV show while your family enjoys US Netflix.

Smart Routing automatically removes geographic restrictions by connecting you to the fastest servers worldwide. If you’re accessing content from both Europe and Asia, Smart Routing will link you to the quickest server in each region. You can also customize routing for specific websites through selected locations.

With Multi-Routing, you can connect to up to 32 countries simultaneously, unlike most VPNs that only allow one connection at a time. Smart Routing not only lets you customize routing by domain but also ensures top performance by choosing the most efficient path, all while keeping your connection private through encryption.

6. What is your take on blockchain technology and decentralization as crucial elements for internet security and privacy? How does Deeper Network leverage these technologies to protect users?

Integrating blockchain technology and decentralization into Deeper devices empowers everyone by enhancing online protection and privacy. We aim to keep you safe wherever you go online, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Our technology ensures that your personal information remains secure and is not exploited for data extraction. Users of our devices join a network that neither logs nor stores personal information. Instead, this network is designed to bypass censorship, protect individual freedoms, and provide economic empowerment.

7. One of your goals is to give users greater control over their privacy and security online. How do your products empower users in this regard, and why is this empowerment important?

Traditional VPNs rely on centralized servers. When you connect to their servers to bypass geo-restrictions, you might be exposing your personal information to risks, especially since you often click through agreements without fully reading them. This can put your data at high risk of being leaked.

With our products, we take a different approach. We don't use centralized servers and don't have access to your logs. Since we don’t have your data, we can’t sell it. Each of our 175,000 users operates as a node in our network, with all logs stored securely on your own device, protected by seven layers of firewall and enterprise-level cybersecurity.

8. What future developments or products can we expect from Deeper Network? How do these align with the company’s mission of making the internet more secure, private, and accessible?

Since 2024, we’ve made significant strides in global collaborations, partnering with VPN service providers to introduce our products to law enforcement agencies, police departments, the FBI, government officials, top tech companies, and more. We’ve also teamed up with distributors worldwide to make sure our products are available in your local market. We are currently working on specific customizations to meet unique requests from different countries and companies. Additionally, we now offer a permission-based network option, allowing only employees within the same company to access the network.

9. As a CEO and innovator, what drives you to continue pushing the boundaries of technology and cybersecurity? What leadership principles guide you in steering Deeper Network?

Users. We do what our users ask us to do. When there is a question, we believe there will be a solution.

10. Please add anything you want to share with our readers.

Give us the opportunity to safeguard your online security.